Beretta.net

Sorry, it runs really bad as in getting up to 35 is a chore, and going uphill the car struggles more than if I was pushing it. There does seem to be clicking around the oil pan, but it seems to be coming from the side where the chain is.

And the only problem I have with a 3400 is that I have yet to find a decent one around here.

Ok, I finally got some time to pull everything apart coming up, and was looking through how to actually get to the chain. I read that you basically have to take half the front end apart and pretty much all the accessories off the motor just to remove the chain. Is there an easier way, or do you just have to grin and bear through the work?

I think that is a grin and bear it job.

Wonderful. At least I have a lift and air tools to make things a little easier.

I would plan to drop the oil pan on it for inspection. You can have a look at the bottom end and still check the chain. Pan is about 3 hrs --- front cover is like 5hrs.  You say the noise seems to be in the front, pull the first two spark plugs. They might tell part of the story.

Well, I got around to looking at it, still am as a matter of fact, but I drained to oil and there were little bits of metal in it. My friends said it seemed like a rod, I'm thinking it's about time to just get a new engine. But like I said, I can't find a 3400 around here. I could pick up a reman for about $1000. I'm just looking for opinions on where to go from here. Thanks for all the help guys.

If you can't find a 3400 around there then you aren't looking.  It's a very popular engine, they're everywhere.  Try searching on http://www.car-part.com/

When calling yards for a motor, tell them you need a 3400 for a venture, montana, rendevous. Sometimes you need to be very specific when talking to counter people. As Cliff posted, these engines are literally everywhere. Usually a very affordable price too.

It's not that I can't find them, it's just that the closest ones are over 100 miles away. Also, regarding purchasing them, is it worth the extra money to grab a reman with zero miles? Thanks again.

Hi all I have a problem and need a little advice I own a 1990 Beretta that I purchased a little over a year ago now 3.1 l and it seems that after running the car for a while like 45min drive and I stop a a red light or stop sign my oil pressure drops right off the gauge and when I take off again it comes back to normal. Just wondering if anyone had any advice on what may cause this to happen, I been sinking alot of money into it lately and don't want to get rid of it I love it any help would be appreciated. thanks Jim

(HateMyAuto @ Jul. 03 2007,21:22)QUOTEIt's not that I can't find them, it's just that the closest ones are over 100 miles away. Also, regarding purchasing them, is it worth the extra money to grab a reman with zero miles? Thanks again.
For your 96, it is probably worth the reman. With a used motor, you always get the extra goodies that come with it. You may even need a lot of parts from a used one anyway.

(jtcoolhands @ Jul. 04 2007,15:30)QUOTE Hi all I have a problem and need a little advice I own a 1990 Beretta that I purchased a little over a year ago now 3.1 l and it seems that after running the car for a while like 45min drive and I stop a a red light or stop sign my oil pressure drops right off the gauge and when I take off again it comes back to normal. Just wondering if anyone had any advice on what may cause this to happen, I been sinking alot of money into it lately and don't want to get rid of it I love it any help would be appreciated. thanks Jim
The bottom end bearings may have excessive clearance. Check the oil and look for a metallic shine.

The official Tech Service Bulletin on oil pressure states that 6 psi is ok.  The info also explains tha it may be at 6 but have the gauge at redline.  

As far as oil pressure goes in general you want it at least this 6 but not too high either... If you put in a new pump do not go for a high pressure, but do go for a high flow.  That will increase the engine life, high pressure actually is bad on the engine and bearings etc.

The sound of rattling seems like it is probably a rod bearing or partial chain snap.  Time to pull it apart and see what is up.

On my car I had the oil pump drive go out, this led to low pressure. It is on the back of the engine where the distributor would be if it wasn't a crank trigger. The drive runs off the cam and then a rod runs the oil pump. It may be too late for this info, so it's FYI.

Thanks. I actually just finished pulling the engine apart today. Turns out the rod bearings were bad.