SPONSORED LINKS

2003 Dodge Caravan Possible bent valve

Tiny
RYRYMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE CARAVAN
Engine Mechanical problem
2003 Dodge Caravan 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

My van has been making a rattleing sound for about a month & has gotten louder over time. Last week it started have loss of power when driving under 40 mph & stalling a little at stops.
I was told that it sounds like a bend valve.
What is the cost to repair? Is it something my husband can do or sould be take it to a shop?
SPONSORED LINKS
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 10:43 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Other than the noise, is the engine still running okay? A bent valve will cause a constant miss. Is that what is happening? Also, I want you to take a rubber mallot and tap on the exhaust system to see if the inside of the catalytic converter is loose causing a noise and causing a loss of power. Also, let me know if you can tell aprox where the sound is coming from. NOTE: I need to know the engine size because a bent valve usually isn't a problem with these vehicles.

Let me know.
Joe
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 11:39 PM
Tiny
RYRYMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes the engine is running good beside slight loss of power at times & noise. It is not causing a constant miss. The sound seems the loudest underneath but the engine is so small & compact it's very hard to tell where it is coming from.
It's a 4 cylinder.
My Husband changed the oil & put in SAE 30 & Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer & it didnt change anything at all.
We'll check the Coverter in the morning. Thank you!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 6th, 2010 AT 1:13 AM
Tiny
RYRYMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
My husband tapped on the exhaust system & we did hear a faint rattling sound with the car off. He said it does sound like it is coming from that direction.
Sould I take it to a reg. Shop & have it checked out first or straight to a muffler shop? Whats the average repair/replacement cost of that?
Thanks!
Jessica
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 6th, 2010 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
If you hear a rattel from the converter, it may be loose inside. I would have it checked your regular shop.

Let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 6:31 AM
Tiny
RYRYMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It's a very, very loud rattle & it seems to be coming from that area. When we tapped on the exhuast system with the van not running we could hear a very slight rattle.
Although I think it seems to be coming from that area I have had my father in law tell me several times he thinks it's coming from my engine.
It started about two months ago when we took a family day trip up to the mountains. When leaving I heard it. But it wasnt very loud over time it has gotten louder & louder. It is non-stop when the van is on. Have you heard of this before if it isnt the Cat. Converter what else could it be?
Thank you!
Jessica
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
A knocking or ticking could be an internal engine problem. But, although that can lead to major engine problems, usually you don't lose power. That is why I thought maybe the inside of the converter was loose and partially blocking the exhaust. That will cause a power loss.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
RYRYMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I had a trusted Mechanic come check it out this morning & he said it is the motor. He said he can replace it for about $1,500 parts & labor. He thinks its best to get a new motor & not one from a salvage yard.
Your thoughts on used motors?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 1:06 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Low Power Content

Fix an Engine with Low Power!
VIDEO
Fix an Engine with Low Power!
Instructional repair video
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
GUIDE
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
The power your car's engine is producing is important. When you step on the gas you need your car to accelerate, mainly to keep you out of trouble when getting onto the...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links