I have a 98 dodge stratus with 135k, 2.4L and recently it started making a noise when I start it up. It sounds like an engine knock and gets faster when the engine is rev'ed. the wierd thing is that after the car runs for about 2 min, it goes away. it still runs great, and I put Lucas oil stabilizer in and it didn't do anything. It's been doing this since the winter (around january) and i thought it only did it on really cold days but it is still doing it.

If it does turn out to be a knock, I'm thinking of changing the bearings from the bottom. Anyone ever tried this without removing the engine or crank?

 

Are you sure the timing belt and associated bearings are not going bad. Take the top inspection cover off and look insde. Barleyman

 

I'll try that. Thanks. Are 2.4L's interference engines?