Hello Everyone!!!

My Dad has a 2001(not 100% on the year but the displacement is correct. 3.3L V6 Caravan.

Engine runs fine up to 2000RPM. With very light throttle application(to insure no higher then 2000RPM operation). Its drivable as long as its flat and below 2000RPM.

If the throttle is applied well, or up hill (above 3000RPM) the egine makes very loud strange rattling noises... Only then the engine light comes on, but goes off...

Where should we start searching?

Thank you very much guys!!!
Gene

 

I would have to be in the drivers seat to evaluate, but it sounds from here as if it is a lack of lubrication (oil to the lifters). how long has it been since the oil was changed and how about the filter. I would start by checking the oil level and then see when last oil change was done. If you are using conventional oil (non synthetic) and level is good, but interval over 3,000 miles I would do and oil and filter change. A clogged filter could cause a lack of oil flow to the engine and thus the rattling at high or higher RPM.

 

hey, were to start is take it to someone that know whats up with noises. Oil filters have a bypass valve so if they are clogged they bypass allowing unfiltered oil thru the system. so what could be the problem. maybe bad catyaltic converter, broken flex plate, dieing fuel pump, spun bearing or maybe seizing engine. could be dozens of problems i guess if u made a recording on a wav file we could hear it

 

Will it do this in Park as well?

Did you check the codes? What numbers are being stored?

First thought is flexplate as mentioned, but we're missing a lot of information to make that determination yet.

Can you pin point a source / location for the sound - top of engine, bottom of engine, front of engine????. Do you have a Mechanic's stethoscope?

As already stated, normal oil filters have a bypass valve. What oil filter is being used? name / number? Any oil pressure issues showing up? No gage? so best to check codes to see if there is anything there. Something is activating the check engine light on an intermittent basis.

Is the rattling noise more of a pinging (detonation) noise. Maybe EGR related. Has the EGR valve been worked on / sealed closed.

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE HELP GUYS!!!

I'll check with my Dad on the oil change interval and brand.

I was thinking injectors and pump too. But normal operation below 2000RPM...

I'll get him to check operation in Park.

He has a mech. stethoscope.

I've done the jumper wire and blinking engine light trick. Dont know if it works on this veh? I don't have a reader, so I cant check the stored codes. We did consider taking it to have analyzed.

He did say that the oil pressure is fine.

I haven't head a pinning noise before I dont think, i would be able to recognize one... I am not sure the EGR valve, we didn't own the van from new...

I try get him to make a little video or something... LOL


Thank you very much guys!!!

 

not much of what you are telling us is of much help to resolving the problem. not far from my car is broke whats wrong. there's no doubt you need professional help.
jumper wire never ever worked on chrysler stuff.

 

The only tool you need is the ignition key for the regular fault codes. Look here: http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html

I've been checking codes on my Chrysler products for years this way.