Anyone Know Anything About A Dodge 3.9 Engine?

[Holyman]

I recently bought a Dodge van with a 3.9 engine and after a few minutes, it starts to clank like the old cars used to when the exhaust flapper would break.

Any help or websites would be GREAT!!!

THANKS

[zilladude]

3.9's are notorious for timing chain clatter( i think the tensioner spring breaks causing the chain to hit the tensioner) Is the noise mainly at idle or all the time?

[boonman]

The timing chain was one thing I was gonna mention. There are some folks over at www.ramchargercentral.com who may be able to help if this is not the case....

[ledofthezep]

Haven't had any problems with my 3.9, but I only have 27k on it too. Has been a great little truck & good gas mileage. Runs better than my old Chevy1500 w/the 4.3 v6. The only thing I've noticed is a lot of condensation whenever I start it up in the mornings.

[Holyman]

It doesn't do it when I first start it up and then it gradually starts and won't stop unless it cools down for a VERY long time. I don't think it's a timing chain thing. It's a tinny sound that is consistant but random. It makes the same noise but not like a lifter that clicks every time it is bumped. It sounds like some sort of in and out shaft play. It doesn't really seem to get worse or faster when I accelerate. Someone told me that on the smaller v6's there is some sort of thermostatically controlled intake flap that may be loose.

I'll check out the ramcharger site.