I bought a 2001 Ram1500 3.9L from the USDA & only 42K miles. There is noise (sounds like valve train noise). This is was USDA truck used on a farm in a VERY VERY dirty environment. I have seen several blogs that say timing train valve noise is normal. Some blogs say the OEM timing chains in early-mid 90s timing chains are weak. Usually factory problems last only a year or two. What is the deal here with this noise in a 2001 3.9 only 42K confirmed miles?
3.9 L Cam/Timing chain noise @42K mi. Normal?
- Thread starter Danzin
- Start date
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3.9's had a lot of loose chain issues. You may have one without a tensioner. I don't know if all the 3.9's got them but my 96 was noisy. May be it's just a lifter. Mine had a rattley lifter as well that would come and go.
There is even a bolt on plate that goes behind the chain and tensions the chain I believe found on the magnum series engines. I’m told they bolt right on but I have yet to use one myself. Others will chime in I’m sure.
Syleng1
Syleng1
Yup! That’s it!
There's nothing "normal" about a noisy timing chain, so lets just bust that myth right now. Normal? No. Common? Very possibly. 142K maybe?
C130 Chief
Mechanical Genius
The timing chain on my brother's 94 Dakota has sounded like a coffee can full of rocks since it was nearly new. Hasn't gotten appreciably worse in 200K miles. The engine has been remarkably trouble free for the abuse and neglect it has seen. In fact the only parts that have failed have been the lower intake gasket and thermostats. The engine has always gone through thermostats which are just a little more painful to replace on Magnum engines than they ought to be IMHO.
Those 3.9's don't heat and the t stats are a turd to replace.
Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
I too had a low mileage Dakota that was noisy but never had an issue. I agree with RRR that it doesn't make it normal or right. That tensioner looks like a cure if your up for all that.
Hellrats
Just another dumbass
I think I have replaced every 3.9 timing chain in north east Ohio in my 36 plus year at a Chrysler dealership. If it's a 3.9 with even 12 thousand miles it will be noisy. Those thing are like a paint shaker.
That's what I was thinking.
Lucas oil treatment is your friend,
if you like rolling the dice and not tearing it down to put the new timing chain in.
☆☆☆☆☆
if you like rolling the dice and not tearing it down to put the new timing chain in.
☆☆☆☆☆
C130 Chief
Mechanical Genius
It would take a lot off Lucas, or any other goo to quiet a timing chain. You'd literally have to fill the engine to the top of the cam sprocket. This would make it impossible for the pistons to move, immobilizing the crankshaft. An engine with no moving parts is going to be quiet.
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