Noise in engine

Hi I have a 98 dodge stratus 4cyl. It sounds like something is rattling or making a clicking noise in the engine.. You can hear it very well from underneath the car. I have a feeling it has something to do with the timing chain and i want to get it fixed before it breaks. Anyone can help me diagnose my problem and a ballpark of paying someone to fix it?? Thanx

Does it occur all the time or when you turn on the A/C in idle.

IF (and that a big if) you want to replace a timing chain* your looking at anywhere from $500 to $1500. So make sure you know the problem. With the car idle, take a screwdriver and see if you can locate the source of the sound. NOTE: DO NOT do this trick near the pulleys or the cooling fans. Preferably a very long screwdriver works best. Place one end by your ear, the other on a part of the engine you believe the sound is coming from. Much like a doctors stethoscope, this should help you pinpoint the area of the noise.

*timing chains, if that's what you have, are typically replaced every 120K miles. If you have a timing belt, that's every 60K miles.

p.s. Most 4 bangers have the timing belt if I can interpret my 95-2005 Haynes manual right.

The car does not have a timing chain. Both the 2.0L and the 2.4L have timing belts. BUT, there is a chain in the 2.4L. It runs from the crankshaft down the the drive gear on the balance shafts. I would probably look at those, especially if you have ran the engine for any length of time low on oil (If you have the 2.4). Those balance shafts are cooking at TWICE the crankshaft speed and really need proper lubrication. Just to give you an idea - 1 RPM = 1 Camshaft revolution, 2 crankshaft revolutions, 4 balance shaft revolutions. The balance shafts (there are two of them) are located in a carrier assembly on the bottom of the engine. You have to drop the oil pan to get to them, but once the pan is removed, they are right there.

I am currently dealing with the same problem. I have a '99 with the 2.4. Had to replace water pump so I figured Id' cure the recent noise by doing the timing belt (not a chain). Also checked alternator, tensioner wheel, and ac pulley. After all that, noise is still there at idle and at all rpms. It's very steady and doesn't fluctuate with the speed of the motor. I'm banking my money on the balancing chain. Will let you know soon as I drop the pan. Funny thing is, car still has excellent power and speed.