Chrysler Repair: 93 caravan engine makes loud knocking sound, dodge caravan, repair job

Question
My 93 dodge caravan recently started knocking.  It isn't a little noise it is very loud.  It gets worse when I accelerate but is a continuos knocking.  Could it be a spark plug?

Answer
Hi April,
It is very unlikely to be a spark plug or anything related to the spark timing as those sorts of issues usually produce a tick/ping sort of sound. Loud resonant knocks are unfortunately usually related to excessive clearance on the bearing surfaces upon which the chrankshaft turns or the bearings at either end of the rods that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. This usually results from routine wear over many revolution (miles) of the engine or because of a compromise in the oil supply to all those bearing surfaces. They can be replaced in most cases from underneath the engine depending upon which engine you have by dropping the oil pan. My suggestion would be to take the van to an engine rebuild shop or auto machine shop and let them hear the noise and size up the repair job based on what they hear. They should also try to determine the cause of the knock and see to it that the ultimate cause is addressed.
Roland