2001 Chrysler Van rattle/crackling noise only during accele

Tiny
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.
Monday, January 11th, 2010 AT 2:20 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 8:44 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Noise Rattle Content

VIEW MORE