Truck started making a loud clacking sound and the torque shot up, engine light came on and started losing power

1998 DODGE DAKOTA
133,000 MILES
Avatar
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had just gotten rolling down the interstate going about 70 MPH when my truck started a loud clacking sound and the torque shot up, engine light came on and started losing power. I thought it might be a rod because of the knocking noise. The oil is clean with no signs of water, so it didn't go through the block. The local mechanic says I need a new engine. I just got back from vacation and haven't talked to him, so I don't know if he took off the valve cover to check the rods. If it's not the rods, could it be the harmonic balancer? Thanks for any help.
RC
Mar 5, 2013 at 8:28 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like there could be internal damage to the engine.
It could be any number of parts. The best course of action would be to remove components and start inspecting.
You would want to start from the top by removing the valve cover and going from there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

As you mentioned the check engine light is illuminated. It will be a good idea to scan and retrieve any code(s). This could be helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let me know what you find or if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jan 21, 2022 at 9:23 PM