2001 Engine Problems

I have a 2001 with 56,000 miles, 3400 engine. Before posting I read about the intake gasket problem, and I have needed to refill the coolant in the past and I just checked under the oil cap and there was a build up of the brownish gunk.

That seems to be the start of the problems though... just recently with the relatively colder weather here in se pa the engine makes a tapping sound before the car warms up. When the van warms up the noise goes away.

The noise is related to the rpm's when the engine revs the tapping sound increases in frequency (hope that makes sense) .

What could this be? I am fearing the worse.

EDIT: After further research it seems to be piston slap. Any other input would be greatly appreciated


Thank you in advance.

The noise would not go away if it were 'piston' slap. Sounds like the lifters may be noisy--this sound would pass after the engine warms up. Read the post at the top of this forum about the intake gaskets; it sure sounds like that's where to begin.

John

Just to follow up I did take a look at that post at the top of the forum and read about replacing the gasket. Its a very detailed instructional on how to do it. If I had a place to do it inside I would.

I did take the car to a family friend and sure enough the gasket is leaking and he said the noise may be related to that. Hopefully all goes well when they perform the work. Thanks.

Steve

I'm having the same clacking noise, but I haven't tried to warm up the engine enough for it to stop. Been talking to a buddy of mine and he suggest that instead of tearing the engine apart I should just get a good used engine and change the entire thing out. Says that by the time you basically overhaul an engine you will spend more time and effort on it than just removing and replacing it. So with that said I've been doing some research on car-part.com (used parts) and there are LOTS of 3400 LA1 engines available. They start around $1200 for less then 20K miles on a 2005/2004 engine and go down from there. I'm expecting my tax return soon and I am torn between fixing mine or changing it out. What do you all think? Overhaul or New/used?

I changed the intake and the cylinder head gaskets, and I spent less than $250 in parts on the job (not counting the $200 head repair job). It took some time, but its not a bad job, really. If you purchase a used engine, what's to say you won't be looking at this same problem in a while anyway?
I'd go with the home gasket replacement if I had to decide your case. If that is all the work you do, the gasket with new bolts is about $45. You can't go wrong with that kind of investment.
John

Rattle at start up could be caused by oil drain down in the system. Use of a good filter with an anti drain back valve can help eliminate most of that. It took care of the problem on mine and I have over 180,000 miles on it.