3.9 L engine noise

I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 w/ a 3.9 L V6 and standard transmission.
It has 60k miles and I've never had a problem with the engine whatsoever. However, in the last month I've had to add water to the radiator 2-3 times and a few days ago the engine started running "louder" than it used to. Also when the RPMs are between 2-2.5k I can hear a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. Both sounds seem to come from the top of the engine. I don't know if the 2 sounds are related but they both started at the same time.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Mine makes a lot of stupid noises like that too. The dealers and other mechanics I've taken it to can't figure out what's wrong with it.

thanks for the reply.

i haven't noticed a loss in HP and it idles like it always has so mechanically it seems to be fine. perhaps you're right and it is just noise attributed to normal wear and tear.

thanks

3.9's are bad for sloppy timing chains. But they like to rattle at an idle mainly.
Where is the antifreeze going?? Is the waterpump noisy??

water seems to be leaking straight down from engine so i'm thinking it may be leaky/cracked thermostat housing or hose. gonna investigate this today. i suppose it may be the water pump making the noise. perhaps if it ran dry or without enough water it could be going out.

ewobrien,

Change your Water Pump!!!!!!! Don't buy a "rebuilt" one either!
New thermostat would be a good idea now too.

Check out the air pump for the other strange noises too.
Don't overlook leaky exhaust manifolds and gaskets for clicking/tapping noises either.

Slantsixness

2 of the 4 bolts that hold the passenger side exhaust manifold on, are missing on my truck. It was caused by the catalytic converter plugging and creating so much backpressure, which heated the manifold up so hot that 2 of the bolts broke inside the head and fell out. I hope the motor blows up.

slant,

you were right on the money. i slapped a brand-new water pump, thermostat and serpentine belt on there and she's purrin' like a kitten.

thanks for all of your help