'98 Caravan 3.0 lifter noise

[krisci3]

Hello all,
I've got a 3.0 with 150k miles rattling quite a bit. I've checked the threads and planned on replacing the lifters. Have any of you found a need to replace the rocker arms as well? They're so expensive! Thanks!

[Jernic]

I don't think you need to replace the rocker arms, but I will change the valve seals, Its well known that those engines have that problem, they burn oil because of the valve seals.

[tempfixit]

Have you checked the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to make sure it is a lifter problem, could be a weak oil pump.

Just my opinion

[krisci3]

Thanks guys, good ideas while I'm in there anyway. I've not done a valve seal job with the head on before. How do you keep the valves from dropping out when you remove the springs? Do you need to have each cylinder at TDC when you do each one? How far will the valve drop, will it be below the top of the valve seal?

Also, where's the best place to plug in the oil pressure guage?

BTW, the Caravan is a '99, my Taurus is a '98!

[Jernic]

To keep the valves from falling you should put compressed air in the cylinder that you are working, (one by one) you will need an adapter to put air by the spark plug hole.