Valve train ticking?

2002 DODGE VAN
202,308 MILES • 5.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SUBEY318
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I am hearing ticking from the driver side of the engine and was going to do a valve lash check. I need to know the last thing for intake and exhaust for 318 2002 van.
Apr 6, 2023 at 5:54 PM
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STRAILER
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The valve train on these engine are non-adjustable. I would start by changing the oil with a new filter and adding Lucas oil stabilizer, here it is for $30.00 on Amazon:

https://amzn.to/43itC0z

Here is a guide to help walk you through the steps of changing the oil:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals described in the Maintenance Schedule. This information can be found in the owner's manual.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Run engine until achieving normal operating temperature.

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn engine off.
2. Hoist vehicle.
3. Remove oil fill cap.
4. Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase drain.
5. Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and gasket if damaged.
6. Install drain plug in crankcase.
7. Change oil filter.
8. Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified type and amount of engine oil.
9. Install oil fill cap.
10. Start engine and inspect for leaks.
11. Stop engine and inspect oil level.

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

Apr 7, 2023 at 10:52 AM
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SUBEY318
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I have already changed the oil and add Lucas. So, if I can't adjust the valves thin it must be the timing tensioner.
Apr 11, 2023 at 12:58 PM
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STRAILER
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Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? that way I can tell for sure what's going on.. You can upload it here with your response.
Apr 13, 2023 at 9:43 AM
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SUBEY318
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It sounds like a knock on this phone, but it's not. I'm sure it's ticking and like a roller chain sound coming from the valve cover gasket area on the driver side in the back. I just don't look like a 318 to me it's quite a bit bigger. I've had two previous Dodge with 318 so maybe the 360 but I have to look up the VIN.
Apr 16, 2023 at 11:02 PM
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STRAILER
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I don't see the video? Could it be a valvetrain noise? Also how does the engine seem to run?
Apr 17, 2023 at 10:18 AM