Hello, the motor in a 98 3500 makes a loud noise! Sounds a little like valve tappets, but louder! It still runs good with high mileage, almost 230k, just concerned with the noise. Seems to come from left front of motor, maybe the IP, or timing gears? thinking of buying this truck, any help?

 

turn the radio up.

 

THIS is the only help you can offer?

 

Could be several little things. Have been told that the overflow valve on the pump may click when it is worn. Easy fix.

Also been told that the fuel pump on these 12 valve motors may click.

If it is one of these, mine has it too. Mostly when the warmer weather gets here. Been that way for the last 3 years I've owned it. Just don't pay any attention to it unless someone mentions it.

If the valve train is clicking, you'll find the lash adjustment instructions on this site. Do a search. LOTS of accurate technical info here.

Also do a look for the "KDP". Our 98's are some of the ones that need to be fixed. I still need to do mine, but have not got to it. If you are not aware, the KDP is a guide pin on the front case. It can "walk" out and get into the gears and crack $$$ things. Directions for fixes are on this site. Don't be scared off, the 98 12V is the "golden" motor.

I would not be too scared of the milage, you will find many many folks on here with that and more. Just do the normal checks and try to find it's maintenance history.


Ed

 

Sherod, thanks for your input. I think my motor is the 24 valve, guess the truck is a 98.5, anyway will keep digging into noise.

 

When you say front left of the motor, I guess you mean standing in front of the truck?

Have you looked for a cracked exhaust manifold?

Also, when was the last time the valves were adjusted?

 

Mike, thanks, but its the drivers side, left side as you sit in truck. Nope no cracked exhaust, and the noise dosen't sound like tappet noise.

 

junkman does yours get louder around 1800 rpms i posted a thread on this here awhile back for this same thing and i still don't know what it is. seems like its the loudest in 4th or 5th gear & around 1800rpms.