2000 GC 3.0l. Runs perfect until recently. Started making noise like gurgling or grinding when first started up. Had water pump and timing belt changed by garage who were certain this was the problem. Makes exact same noise when fixed. Thought it was A/C but it does it whether it the AC is turned on or off. All bellts and idlers are fine. Noise "cycles" in and out like A/C compressor noise but it's not the A/C. I used a stethoscope and its possible it is coming from the intake area/throttle or egr valve. Has anyone heard of this??
Please help!!

My van generates the same type of noise. I have removed both engine and AC builts and started the van but the noise did not go away. I have already driven over 15000 miles since the noise has started and nothing has happend the car still running perfetly fine except of this bad noise when starting the car or when it is cold. if anybody finds out the reason, I'd really appricate the help.

As of today I know what it"isn't"
It Is Not,
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Cracked Flywheel/Flexplate
Loose Torque Converter
Oil Pump
Lower End Bearings (anything in Oil Pan)

I know this because these are the things that have been taken apart and checked at my expense.
Definitely an aggravating situation. Will post what is found if it ever is.

Problem Found!!!
For future reference 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.0L V6 Engine
Turns out the Flexplate/Ring Gear/ Flywheel (all the same thing) was broken.
I was not visible until the transmission was pulled and torque converter removed. It was also covered up by a re-inforcing plate.
This is clearly a poor design/manufacturered problem with these. Of course no recall notice or coverage of any type from Dodge. Just another great North American made problem that the Consumer gets stiffed on later.
In my case the final bill will be about $800.00 when you count the water pump and timing belt that were replaced as the original guess at the problem.
Perhaps this will help anyone else who has the problem, but as usual, get your wallet out.

Problem Found!!!
For future reference 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.0L V6 Engine
Turns out the Flexplate/Ring Gear/ Flywheel (all the same thing) was broken.
I was not visible until the transmission was pulled and torque converter removed. It was also covered up by a re-inforcing plate.
This is clearly a poor design/manufacturered problem with these. Of course no recall notice or coverage of any type from Dodge. Just another great North American made problem that the Consumer gets stiffed on later.
In my case the final bill will be about $800.00 when you count the water pump and timing belt that were replaced as the original guess at the problem.
Perhaps this will help anyone else who has the problem, but as usual, get your wallet out.


:) Thanks for the info. I just had timing belt,water pump,idler pully,etc.
Still the same noise? .Oh ya I had the transmission out and rebuilt in May ,Mechanic Is scratching his head trying to locate noise when cold .
This sounds like it may be the problem .Thanks

:) Thanks for the info. I just had timing belt,water pump,idler pully,etc.
Still the same noise? .Oh ya I had the transmission out and rebuilt in May ,Mechanic Is scratching his head trying to locate noise when cold .
This sounds like it may be the problem .Thanks
:biggrin: Thank You/Thank You/Thank You/ Flexplate replaced (noise gone) Engine runs smoother "