Camshaft Replacement at 60k miles...

[PanzerFreak]

Just wanted to share what happened with my 2019 RAM 1500 Bighorn (3.6L with e-torque). For about a month I noticed a very slight ticking noise that became more frequent as the vehicle increased in speed. The dealer initially thought "it's likely exhaust related bolts". I took the truck in just below 60,000 miles while under the original factory warranty (also covered until 100,000 miles or nearly the end of 2026 with a certified preowned warranty).

Long story short short the dealer reported "The right intake cam was worn causing damage to right exhaust cam", tech notes also said "removed the right valve cover and found intake cam wore out and exhaust cam lobes scratched up". The list of service and parts replaced replaced is rather extensive (the right cams, intake rockers, phasers, vvl sensor, and much more). This had to be $2,000 - $4,000 in parts and labor I take it from a dealer?

Thankfully everything was covered under warranty but it does make me nervous how the vehicle will perform long term. The oil was replaced again during this service and I plan to replace it in 3,000 miles, a bit early, and have an oil analysis done. The engine ticking is not only gone but the entire vehicle just seems drives smoother with this work done.

 

[2021EcoDiesel]

An early oil change is a great idea to get any break in material from the new parts out of there, and stick to a good interval of oil changes. So long as your oil filter was doing its job and caught all the metal from the dead cam I wouldn't be too worried. That having been said I'm not familiar with the oiling system on the pentastar but that metal-laden oil all should've just gone straight down to the pan after the cams and either stopped by the pickup screen or the oil filter. Sure some could've run through the internals and maybe caused damage, but I imagine the oil analysis will give you a better idea of any wear that is occurring/has occurred. I would definitely keep an eye on your oil pressure for the next little while and your ears open for any other ticks or knocks (or for the life of the vehicle, if you like to keep an eye on things.) And at least you have 40k more miles of CPO warranty to make a decision, keep the truck that had some significant engine surgery, or wash your hands of it and trade it. either way, best of luck to you and your truck!

 

[PanzerFreak]

An early oil change is a great idea to get any break in material from the new parts out of there, and stick to a good interval of oil changes. So long as your oil filter was doing its job and caught all the metal from the dead cam I wouldn't be too worried. That having been said I'm not familiar with the oiling system on the pentastar but that metal-laden oil all should've just gone straight down to the pan after the cams and either stopped by the pickup screen or the oil filter. Sure some could've run through the internals and maybe caused damage, but I imagine the oil analysis will give you a better idea of any wear that is occurring/has occurred. I would definitely keep an eye on your oil pressure for the next little while and your ears open for any other ticks or knocks (or for the life of the vehicle, if you like to keep an eye on things.) And at least you have 40k more miles of CPO warranty to make a decision, keep the truck that had some significant engine surgery, or wash your hands of it and trade it. either way, best of luck to you and your truck!

Thank you for the reply and tips! The truck has been driving great, better than ever, since the cam work was done. I hope it stays that way, would like to keep it long term. I’ll post the oil analysis results here when I get it done within the next few months.

 

[PanzerFreak]

Follow up on this issue. So just 5,000 miles later at 65,000 miles the ticking sound returned. Brought it back to the dealer and they said it was the same side again, all right camshafts replaced again. This time they said the oil cooler had some metal shavings in it plus was leaking and needed to be replaced.

I was surprised when they said the left side camshafts are fine. Why would the right side fail once at 60,000 and then again just 5,000 miles later at 65,000? I did notice a slight bit of oil leaking onto my drive way over the past couple of months, probably the oil cooler issue.

Thankfully everything was covered under the certified preowned warranty. However, I’m now doubting the long term reliability of this truck.

 

[Pop_sickle]

How’s the truck doing today? I just sent my same truck in for the same exact problem. Was making a ticking noise and they tried to play it off for normal engine noise. I told them to wait till the morning when it was cold to start it. Same issue, intake camshaft. I’m unlucky however because they’re on back order apparently. No ETA when it’ll come in.