# Valve clatter **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [November 21, 2008, 3:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-clatter/22329 "2008-11-21T03:34:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![theoriginalderek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@theoriginalderek](https://community.cartalk.com/u/theoriginalderek)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 3:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-clatter/22329/1 "2008-11-21T03:34:42Z")
I have a 1999 Dodge 1500 pick-up with a 5.9 360. I get what sounds like valve clatter whenever I accelerate too quickly or go up a hill. What is the cause and how can I fix it? Could my timing be off? Many Thanks, Derek ---
**Author:** ![rexy44](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/278dde/32.png) [@rexy44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rexy44)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 4:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-clatter/22329/2 "2008-11-21T04:07:04Z")
Gas or diesel? When was the last time you had it tuned up? Sounds like spark knock from your vage discription and self dignosis. ???Plugs, plugwires, timing…Fuel mixture… Could have it checked to see if any codes show up. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 4:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-clatter/22329/3 "2008-11-21T04:10:30Z")
Is this situation new? or did it come on slowly? ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 6:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-clatter/22329/4 "2008-11-21T06:33:55Z")
It sounds like you’re describing a pre-ignition rattle. This is often related to an EGR system fault or ignition timing that is advanced too far. There’s no reason for the timing to be advanced unless someone has replaced the distributor or has been dinking around with it. Any possible EGR system fault will have to be diagnosed. It could be a faulty part, stuck EGR pintle, or clogged EGR passages. You might get AutoZone, Checkers, etc. to pull the codes for you and see if any EGR codes come up. They will do this for you free.