Knocking sound coming from the front of engine on 1991 300E with 140K miles. Knock varies with engine speed and seems to be coming from the timing chain area. Any ideas on likely problem or troubleshooting ideas appreciated.

A little more info.... The sound is a deeper tone/note than a tapping valve. Doesn't matter if the engine is cold or hot the sound/knock is always there when the engine is running. The sound doesn't change when you disconnect the spark plugs one at a time. The water pump and belt tensioner were replaced about 10K miles ago, so they shouldn't be the problem.

Might it be the timing chain itself?

Check the fan and the cover on the distributor. Make sure nothing is loose externally. It sounds like something is loose.

__________________
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.