my sons 1996 dodge ram motor rattles while idling does anyone have this same problem, and do you know why.?

Question

sounds like it comes from the front of the motor maybe timing chain. hope someone can help me.

Answer 1

By rattling, do you mean the engine itself moves, or you hear a rattling noise. The engine will move when it is running or when you accelerate.

Check the engine mounts. They could be busted or missing bolts. That truck should have 2 mounts near the top of the engine, and 2 near the bottom.

It could be a belt tensioner pulley, the air-conditioner compressor/pulley, or some other pulley.

The timing chain would sound more like a clicking noise, not a rattle.

The water pump would also sound more like a clicking noise, and it sounds similar to a bad timing chain. I wouldn't classify that as a rattle though.

The exhaust would rattle, most likely when the truck is in drive and you apply the brakes at a stoplight, not if the truck is just idling. And that would most likely be because the exhaust is hitting a heat shield or part of the truck frame. This would be most likely especially if your son has made any modifications to the exhaust.

The headers might be loose, but if the truck sounds normal, and not super loud then that probably isn't it. Also check where the exhaust pipe bolts onto the headers/manifold...that connection might need to be welded.

If you still can't figure out where the rattling is coming from then take it to a local auto repair shop and they will be able to figure it out. And if it happens to be the timing chain or water pump, just be glad that you made it to the shop without having to get the truck towed!

Answer 2

stay clean of makes a large truck. Any truck with 10 years of age such via fact the single you're watching could have some average subject concerns. whether it rather is a 4X4 there's a means for some front end issues mutually with front u joints. make a sluggish turn in an entire circle in the two instructions and see if the truck squeaks or if the guidance jerks rather undesirable. yet another subject that stay clean of Rams have on their 4X4 trucks is that the guidance kit boxes improve alot of play in them. the section shaft interior the middle of it is going to wobble interior the kit container somewhat than turn in a acceptable circle. it rather is via a minimum of a few thing called physique flex that happened on stay clean of rams from ninety 4 till 02. there's certainly an oem brace from a enterprise known just about as good metallic biz which could do away with this subject if the kit container isn't already shot. If the truck is a 2 wheel force you wont could hassle approximately any of those issues. stay clean of rams with the 318 engine run extra ideal with top classification gas. they're going to run with time-honored yet whats up have a significant volume of pinging noise interior the engines ideal end via fact of low valve clearance. even nonetheless the noise is many times an annoyance and would not injury the engine. basic nonetheless stay clean of is a huge determination and stay clean of ram trucks are large I definitely have owned 2 a 1500 with the 318 and a 2500 with the Cummins diesel. I enjoyed them the two and neither ever left me stranded, even while they have been up there interior the severe mileage classification. solid luck and happy motoring.

Answer 3

Yep I was thinking heat shield too or even the butterfly valve on the firewall side of the header which went bad on mine and rattled like crazy. Mine was a few years older I don't know if they removed that stupid contraption by 96 or not. Just a shot in the dark. Good luck!

Answer 4

if you have a 3.9 L it is the timing chain chry has a tsb to replace the chain and add a chain tensioner. I have also replaced several belt tensioners for rattling noises hope this helps

Answer 5

you may have a loose heat shield at the exhaust manifold

Answer 6

muffler bearings

Answer 7

Its a HEMMMII ! , dang mom you take his test too?