1993 Dodge Spirit Serious rapping noise

1993 DODGE SPIRIT
16,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CZYDRM
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  • 1 POST
Being only an amateur mechanic I am guessing that I have a valve that went bad. I was having trouble with the car overheating. So I replaced the thermostat and that fixed the heat problem. Only trouble was that the parts person gave me a 180 degree thermostat. I didn't know the difference till we had a few -20 degree days. I decided to replace the 180 with a 195. Almost immediately (few miles) after the second replacement the valves start making this horrible rapping noise and the car would stall at stop lights.

So my question is... would it be easier/cheaper to replace the entire engine with a used one or to replace the head?

Any other suggestions would be welcome as well.

Thanks in advance.
Dec 21, 2009 at 12:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Is the sound coming from the top of the engine or the bottom end? Also, do you have the 2.2L or the 2.5L? If the sound is coming from the bottom, I would just replace the engine with a good one. If it is in the top and there is no bottom end noise (mains and rod bearings) then I would just replace the head. Before doing all of that, however, I would remove the valve cover and check the cam. You may only need the cam replaced. The 2.5L were known for cam / lifter problems. One of the cam lobes may have been damaged. If it's the cam, you won't even have to remove the head. Also, as far as the thermostat, the factory one was a 195 degree. You didn't hurt anything with the 180.

Let me know me know if you have other specific questions or need anything else. Thanks for using 2carpros.com, and I wish both you and your family a happy holiday.

Joe
Dec 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM
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