2001 Chrysler Van rattle/crackling noise only during accele

ESCONDIDOBEN

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER VAN
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
172,000 MILES

Trying to figure out what this rattling noise is that happens only during acceleration when the car is in gear and driving down the road. It doesn't rattle when I rev the engine in park or neutral just in drive or reverse when I push the gas pedal. It gets louder with more stress on the engine. Engine light just turned on but the problem started about 60 miles ago. The van seems to not idle at the right spot now, it doesn't stall when I turn it on but it feels like it's about to stall. These problems seem related and started at the same time. Is this Timing? Transmission? Thanks for your help.

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Based on your dandy observations, I'd suspect a cracked flex plate. It will make noises, and if it turns a little, it will affect ignition timing. They crack under the small plate under the crankshaft bolt heads.

Caradiodoc

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 6:32 AM

ESCONDIDOBEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The guy at the shop told me it needed a valve job for $1800 do you think this is right? It only had the noise when in drive, if you reved the engine in neutral or park the rattle noise didn't happen at all.

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 3:56 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Doesn't sound right. Burned valves will sound like an air compressor, and aren't common on today's engines. Collapsed lifters / low oil level make a clattering noise all the time, regardless of engine speed or transmission in or out of gear.

I think I'd recommend a second opinion from a reputable transmission shop.

Caradiodoc

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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 8:44 PM