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2006 Dodge Caravan 3.3 Cold start tapping

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  • #846761
    marsplexmarsplex
    Participant

      So I’m just getting used to the new van, my first time with one. 2006 Grand Caravan. 3.3, 114k miles. One question is when I first got it home I noticed a very pronounced tick on cold starts for about 1-2 seconds. So changed the unknown oil to fresh 5w20 synthetic and an oem mopar filer and I still hear it but not every cold start.

      Searching and talking to some other owners has given me mixed results. Some people say they never have this others say they have had this for 10’s of thousands of miles.

      Anyone else have this issue and if so for how long? Should I be alarmed?

      Also i read this online:

      “A tapping or rattling sound from the middle area of the engine following a cold start can be caused by a slow buildup of oil pressure. This may be due to the viscosity of the oil in the crankcase being too thick, a worn oil pump (low oil pressure), or a poor quality oil filter that does not have the proper anti-drainback valve.

      Up until 1999, Chrysler recommended using 10W-30 oil in these engines, with 5W-30 approved for cold weather use (below 32° F). As oils improved, Chrysler changed their recommendation to a 5W-30 oil for year-round driving. In 2005, they changed their recommendations again (but only for 2005 and newer engines) to a 5W-20 oil. The lighter viscosity oil sped engine lubrication following a cold start, and improved fuel economy a bit. The capacity of the oil pan was also increased from four to five quarts (with filter).

      Some owners of older minivans who were using 10W-30 or 5W-30 motor oil say they have quieted their valvetrain noise by switching to a lighter viscosity 5W-20 synthetic motor oil. The thinner oil seems to fill the lifters more quickly after a cold start so the lifters can take up the noise-producing lash in the valvetrain. Switching to a heavier viscosity oil (which is often recommended to quiet noisy high-mileage engines), apparently doesn’t work with these applications.”

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    • #846765
      ChrisChris
      Participant

        I have this same issue with mine and have for almost 80k miles. I have done lots of research on the issue and have been reassured by many trustworthy mechanics as well as many lifter manufacturers that as long as the tapping is only for a few seconds after startup and does not return when the vehicle is under a load then it is nothing to be concerned with and will not shorten the life of the lifters. it is considered “normal” and though souds bad the lifters are still being lubricated with both the oil that remains in them and the oil that is supplied to them until they “pump up” after a couple secconds. Just keep your oil changed regularly and keep an ear out for if the tapping takes longer than 10 seconds or so to go away.

        #846766
        marsplexmarsplex
        Participant

          ill try not to think about it.. lol, wont be easy tho.

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