Hi All,

I picked up a 1996 3.2L Trooper 152,000 miles for $300. Rebuilt auto tranny, new fly wheel and starter. Trooper is running great. All of a sudden I get a rattling/knocking noise. Oil level and pressure is good, I figure I am about to throw a rod or lifters are gone.

Noise is not coming from valve covers? Seems to be from front bottom? Belts are tight and in good shape.

Noise starts when cranking, will continue unless rev up to 2500rpm then quiets down. Will occur when slowing to a stop. No loss of power or performance issue. Just aweful rattle/knocking.

Any ideas? I really like this SUV, clean inside and out, nice features, good power, 4x4 needed in the North Carolina High Country.

 

check the timing belt. do not run engine if out of time. that can cause major engine damage. get a repair manual. chilton, isuzu, 36100 at any auto parts store. you can also check your local library to see if anyone gave them a used one. billham

 

you may want to check and make sure torgue converter bolts are tight had a dodge nock like crazy for a year tell the flex plate come a part. also on my trooper the driver side moter mount is toast and makes a knocking noise at idle and dosent go away unless theres a load on moter

 

UpDate: Timing belt tensioner was on way out, replaced tensioner, belt and water pump. Flex plate busted again. Trooper at shop waiting to be picked up, daily driver hope this fixes it for another 75,000 miles. $1100 this service, $900 last plate and starter, $1600 tranny rebuild, $300 purchase price for a grand total of $3900.