Lifter tick on cold start

[Leej]

Hi all I'm new to the site.
I have a 5th Gen with the 5.7 , 209 miles on it, and I just started it after it sat for 24 hours. When it started the lifters clattered for about 5 seconds then stopped ( no doubt when it built a little oil pressure). I am more than a little apprehensive about this as a Larime I test drove at the dealership had a lifter tick that never stopped, I had to cancel the test drive and drove another truck. The salesman heard it also, but didn't say anything about it being an ongoing problem. Is anyone else experiencing this?
I've also noticed an intermittent clunk in the rear end as the truck is shifted in to Drive from Park, and when decelerating. This is a 4WD so I expected a little more gear slop than a 2WD, but the noise is excessive for a brand new vehicle. has anyone else heard this noise?
Honestly I have bought nothing but Japanese cars and trucks since 2000 because of their outstanding reliability. I went with the Mopar as it had excellent reviews (including Consumer Reports reliability history), great styling, and I really like the '19 rework. BUT... not to happy with these developments in a brand new truck. Any feedback welcomed.

I have the same issue on my 2019 Ram 4WD 1500 with about 15K on it now. It started within the first 5K (basically after break-in). The cold only 1-2 second lifter tick on startup occurs not every time I start it up cold, but just enough to be annoying if not concerning. Yes, older 5.7's have broken exhaust manifold bolts and cracked exhaust manifolds routinely. And those sound somewhat similar but go on longer as it take longer to heat the manifold up than to pump oil into the lifters. There is also talk that the injectors can make noise, but that noise is different and not concerning. I'm pretty sure it's a design flaw that is 1) not correctable as it may be due to the Hemi design's unique flat angle tappets (that fail to hold oil when stopped over time) and 2) FCA thinks it's not serious enough in terms of reliability to redesign a new flag ship V8. The cylinder deactivation system adds complexity to the tappet operation. What can you do--1) not worry about it but continue to maintain it with frequent oil changes 2) See the dealer, but if it's cold only, short duration ticks, don't expect any joy because it's a design flaw 3) upgrade the oil filter to one with the best anti-siphon valve (Royal Purple/Mobil 1) 3) change the oil regularly and use a top oil (Amsoil, Redline, Penzoil Ultra, Mobil 1 in that order). Redline has the best filming, so I'm going to that from Penzoil Ultra. Redline will probably dull it down perhaps to near imperceptibility.

I've found with the 4WD transfer case system that you need to pause and let it engage (slight clunks) on startup prior to going into drive or reverse hot and cold and, as with any vehicle, let the idle come down before engaging drive or reverse. Most people don't do the latter when cold as it takes 30 seconds or longer of idling depending on the outside temperature.

It's a great truck in terms of driving, handling, interior (Big Horn) and the infotainment system is pretty darn good. However, I would never buy the Hemi again. And the dealers (and FCA) have been instructed to not acknowledge the "Hemi Tick" as a feature of the design. A tick like this you can hear means wear is occurring. It may take 150 K miles or more to manifest itself in a failed tappet or rounded cam lobe, but abnormal noise is extra wear anyway you slice it.

 

[Nails]

^^^^ agree with noise is wear 100%

 

[Scram1500]

I have the same issue on my 2019 Ram 4WD 1500 with about 15K on it now. It started within the first 5K (basically after break-in). The cold only 1-2 second lifter tick on startup occurs not every time I start it up cold, but just enough to be annoying if not concerning. Yes, older 5.7's have broken exhaust manifold bolts and cracked exhaust manifolds routinely. And those sound somewhat similar but go on longer as it take longer to heat the manifold up than to pump oil into the lifters. There is also talk that the injectors can make noise, but that noise is different and not concerning. I'm pretty sure it's a design flaw that is 1) not correctable as it may be due to the Hemi design's unique flat angle tappets (that fail to hold oil when stopped over time) and 2) FCA thinks it's not serious enough in terms of reliability to redesign a new flag ship V8. The cylinder deactivation system adds complexity to the tappet operation. What can you do--1) not worry about it but continue to maintain it with frequent oil changes 2) See the dealer, but if it's cold only, short duration ticks, don't expect any joy because it's a design flaw 3) upgrade the oil filter to one with the best anti-siphon valve (Royal Purple/Mobil 1) 3) change the oil regularly and use a top oil (Amsoil, Redline, Penzoil Ultra, Mobil 1 in that order). Redline has the best filming, so I'm going to that from Penzoil Ultra. Redline will probably dull it down perhaps to near imperceptibility.

I've found with the 4WD transfer case system that you need to pause and let it engage (slight clunks) on startup prior to going into drive or reverse hot and cold and, as with any vehicle, let the idle come down before engaging drive or reverse. Most people don't do the latter when cold as it takes 30 seconds or longer of idling depending on the outside temperature.

It's a great truck in terms of driving, handling, interior (Big Horn) and the infotainment system is pretty darn good. However, I would never buy the Hemi again. And the dealers (and FCA) have been instructed to not acknowledge the "Hemi Tick" as a feature of the design. A tick like this you can hear means wear is occurring. It may take 150 K miles or more to manifest itself in a failed tappet or rounded cam lobe, but abnormal noise is extra wear anyway you slice it.

Have you tried using 5w 30?

 

[JTMachineDesign]

For those with the start-up noises/rattles, when starting try removing your foot from the brake pedal when the engine begins to turn over. Mine made an awful racket but has stopped completely since I started this procedure

I start mine with my foot off the brake.. still rattles. I cant imagine why brake pressure would make any difference in any way.

 

[ThatThingGotaHemi]

2020 Limited that I've driven strictly by the letter of the law for proper break in the manual...did the high speed runs after 500 easy driving miles.. on the highway per the manual before I ever leaned on it from a lower speed...I've only mashed it at a light once or twice after 2500 miles...baby it 98.9% of the time...didn't tow my boat with it until 1500 miles... my boat only weighs 2K anyways...

Did a tick for 3 seconds the other day after it sat all day in 100 degrees outside... done it 3 other times for 2-4 seconds after it sits all day and I run out after work..

got 3500 miles on it. Hope it doesn't get worse.. will mention it when it goes for first service check...see what prepared line they give me.

$70k truck and we're already playing games.

I understand oil needing to be pumped back into the lifters... Pops has a Grand Cherokee w/ the 5.7. No tick...you'd think it would be everybody

 

[RamCares]

2020 Limited that I've driven strictly by the letter of the law for proper break in the manual...did the high speed runs after 500 easy driving miles.. on the highway per the manual before I ever leaned on it from a lower speed...I've only mashed it at a light once or twice after 2500 miles...baby it 98.9% of the time...didn't tow my boat with it until 1500 miles... my boat only weighs 2K anyways...

Did a tick for 3 seconds the other day after it sat all day in 100 degrees outside... done it 3 other times for 2-4 seconds after it sits all day and I run out after work..

got 3500 miles on it. Hope it doesn't get worse.. will mention it when it goes for first service check...see what prepared line they give me.

$70k truck and we're already playing games.

I understand oil needing to be pumped back into the lifters... Pops has a Grand Cherokee w/ the 5.7. No tick...you'd think it would be everybody

Hi @ThatThingGotaHemi - If it would be of interest, we would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer when you take your truck in for service. Our team is always a private message away to get that process started.

Mark
RamCares

 

[ThatThingGotaHemi]

Hi @ThatThingGotaHemi - If it would be of interest, we would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer when you take your truck in for service. Our team is always a private message away to get that process started.

Mark
RamCares

DM'ing now..

 

[RamCares]

DM'ing now..

Much appreciated, just had a chance to respond!

Mark
RamCares

 

[silver billet]

I start mine with my foot off the brake.. still rattles. I cant imagine why brake pressure would make any difference in any way.

There are a number of noises that have been mentioned on this forum. The one with the brake pedal has no effect on the "hemi tick" (the "hemi tick" is actually lifters). Some members (including myself) have a driveline "clunk" (not a tick, it's a sound like a hammer tapping the driveline, and it doesn't re-occur, it cluncks exactly once per engine start, but sometimes it doesn't clunk at all. It never clunks multiple times per start). This clunk is eliminated by making sure you press the brake just long enough for the computer to tell the engine to start, and making sure you're off the pedal before the engine "catches".

Why does it work? No real knowledge why, just that it works every time for everybody that has this particular clunk.

 

[JTMachineDesign]

Why does it work? No real knowledge why, just that it works every time for everybody that has this particular clunk.

Ya, mine doesn't have that noise, just the random rattle for a second or two on startup. Same as my wife's elderly Grand Cherokee.
I've spent a large part of my life running and maintaining large radial engines on older planes. They all have some ritual you need to observe when starting - some have a pre-oiler used to get the oil flowing before you crank it over. I've often wished that was available for the 5.7.

 

[The_Chemist]

My truck has the lifter clacking noise as well. It has lasted as long as a minute at one point. Normally it goes away after 5 to 10 seconds of running after a cold start.

The cold start clacking started right around 5,200 miles. I did my first oil change around 2,200 miles and did the second around 5,300 miles or so. I'm still under 6,000 total miles on the vehicle.

This has got to be the worst vehicles I ever owned. It took FCA and the dealer 1 year and 3 months to get most of the ridiculous issues with the truck somewhat fixed. Because of that, along with some fighting, FCA gave me an 8 year bumper to bumper warranty - they would not buy the truck back. I bought the truck now to pay for it while I am still working, keep the miles low and then use it for my retirement vehicle in less than 6 years when I retire.

I'm sure I'll be out of warranty when the damage caused by the lack of lubrication manifests itself. What a rip!

 

[Sgoodwin1]

My 2019 Ram Rebel with 9k miles just started doing this at cold start for like 2 seconds definitely sounds like a collapsed lifter. This is not “normal” I have owned plenty of vehicles and never had this. It may have been doing it since I bought it not sure because I use remote start a lot. I have only heard it twice now. Well I am seriously thinking of trading it in and going with another brand this was Ram’s last chance with me.

 

[The_Chemist]

My 2019 Ram Rebel with 9k miles just started doing this at cold start for like 2 seconds definitely sounds like a collapsed lifter. This is not “normal” I have owned plenty of vehicles and never had this. It may have been doing it since I bought it not sure because I use remote start a lot. I have only heard it twice now. Well I am seriously thinking of trading it in and going with another brand this was Ram’s last chance with me.

Is this an issue with the 5.7 liter engines that have cylinder deactivation, or do all hemi engines have this flaw?

I have so many issues with this truck, the last thing I need is another problem.

We lose our a____ on trade-ins...

 

[silver billet]

You guys could try running better oil and oil filter; many have had good luck by running Redline 5w-20/30 and a royal purple oil filter, especially the filter seems to do a better job of preventing drain back which is the reason why the lifters clack on startup for a few seconds.

 

[SpeedyV]

Is this an issue with the 5.7 liter engines that have cylinder deactivation, or do all hemi engines have this flaw?

I have so many issues with this truck, the last thing I need is another problem.

We lose our a____ on trade-ins...

It is unrelated to MDS.

No issues at startup here (two years of ownership). I don’t know how much it matters, but I run PUP with a Mobil 1 EP filter.

 

[The_Chemist]

It is unrelated to MDS.

No issues at startup here (two years of ownership). I don’t know how much it matters, but I run PUP with a Mobil 1 EP filter.

I'm glad your 5.7 does not exhibit the lifter clacking. Possibly it is because you are using premium filters and oil.

It's a crying shame that we have to go the extra mile and use parts other than Mopar to put a bandage on an inherent engine flaw.

I just had my oil changed 2 weekends ago. Now I feel that I should go out and buy Redline oil and a Mobile 1 filter. Geez, I used to analyze oil for a living at a Caterpillar dealer...

Glad to know the lifter clacking is unrelated to MDS. I know the GM system is a nightmare.

 

[SpeedyV]

I'm glad your 5.7 does not exhibit the lifter clacking. Possibly it is because you are using premium filters and oil.

It's a crying shame that we have to go the extra mile and use parts other than Mopar to put a bandage on an inherent engine flaw.

I just had my oil changed 2 weekends ago. Now I feel that I should go out and buy Redline oil and a Mobile 1 filter. Geez, I used to analyze oil for a living at a Caterpillar dealer...

Glad to know the lifter clacking is unrelated to MDS. I know the GM system is a nightmare.

The GM system has an advanced selective cylinder deactivation system, but it seems like they’re having challenges with it because the engine wasn’t originally designed for this. The HEMI has a much simpler system for which the heads were specifically designed. As a result, MDS may not be quite as efficient as the GM system, but it appears to be more reliable (and is a much more proven design).

 

[MQQSE]

I have the same issue on my 2019 Ram 4WD 1500 with about 15K on it now. It started within the first 5K (basically after break-in). The cold only 1-2 second lifter tick on startup occurs not every time I start it up cold, but just enough to be annoying if not concerning. Yes, older 5.7's have broken exhaust manifold bolts and cracked exhaust manifolds routinely. And those sound somewhat similar but go on longer as it take longer to heat the manifold up than to pump oil into the lifters. There is also talk that the injectors can make noise, but that noise is different and not concerning. I'm pretty sure it's a design flaw that is 1) not correctable as it may be due to the Hemi design's unique flat angle tappets (that fail to hold oil when stopped over time) and 2) FCA thinks it's not serious enough in terms of reliability to redesign a new flag ship V8. The cylinder deactivation system adds complexity to the tappet operation. What can you do--1) not worry about it but continue to maintain it with frequent oil changes 2) See the dealer, but if it's cold only, short duration ticks, don't expect any joy because it's a design flaw 3) upgrade the oil filter to one with the best anti-siphon valve (Royal Purple/Mobil 1) 3) change the oil regularly and use a top oil (Amsoil, Redline, Penzoil Ultra, Mobil 1 in that order). Redline has the best filming, so I'm going to that from Penzoil Ultra. Redline will probably dull it down perhaps to near imperceptibility.

I've found with the 4WD transfer case system that you need to pause and let it engage (slight clunks) on startup prior to going into drive or reverse hot and cold and, as with any vehicle, let the idle come down before engaging drive or reverse. Most people don't do the latter when cold as it takes 30 seconds or longer of idling depending on the outside temperature.

It's a great truck in terms of driving, handling, interior (Big Horn) and the infotainment system is pretty darn good. However, I would never buy the Hemi again. And the dealers (and FCA) have been instructed to not acknowledge the "Hemi Tick" as a feature of the design. A tick like this you can hear means wear is occurring. It may take 150 K miles or more to manifest itself in a failed tappet or rounded cam lobe, but abnormal noise is extra wear anyway you slice it.

You are spot on, Leej. And for those saying use 5-30 or a different filter, I've tried that. Nothing works. Most of the time engine starts nice and quiet. But all of the sudden I will have spurts where I get the lifter tick at start up. Sometimes its really loud and goes longer than the 3 seconds. I've been in fleet repair for over 40 years, this IS A LIFTER ISSUE, NOT A MANIFOLD ISSUE. Will it be a problem for you prior to the warranty running out, no. But how about when you show off your truck to someone, like I recently did, you start it up and clack clack clack, my friends went, oh, man, that's not normal. I said, well FCA says it is normal, and that's when they went "Chrysler product man, yuck." Also, when you go to sell the truck and start it up with that ticking, good bye buyer. Or, when you go to trade it in, the dealer is going to say "hey we inspected your truck and it has a bad lifter issue." and you say, oh, that's normal. They will laugh at you, even at a Chrysler dealership. If FCA wants to even be in the same discussion with Ford, then they can't have issues like this. I love the truck, everything about it is just amazing and there is no doubt this is the nicest driving and hauling truck I have ever owned (I've owned over 20 trucks) and I love driving it. However, this is not just a small issue and I hate starting it when people are around, that's a real problem for an owner.

 

[The_Chemist]

You are spot on, Leej. And for those saying use 5-30 or a different filter, I've tried that. Nothing works. Most of the time engine starts nice and quiet. But all of the sudden I will have spurts where I get the lifter tick at start up. Sometimes its really loud and goes longer than the 3 seconds. I've been in fleet repair for over 40 years, this IS A LIFTER ISSUE, NOT A MANIFOLD ISSUE. Will it be a problem for you prior to the warranty running out, no. But how about when you show off your truck to someone, like I recently did, you start it up and clack clack clack, my friends went, oh, man, that's not normal. I said, well FCA says it is normal, and that's when they went "Chrysler product man, yuck." Also, when you go to sell the truck and start it up with that ticking, good bye buyer. Or, when you go to trade it in, the dealer is going to say "hey we inspected your truck and it has a bad lifter issue." and you say, oh, that's normal. They will laugh at you, even at a Chrysler dealership. If FCA wants to even be in the same discussion with Ford, then they can't have issues like this. I love the truck, everything about it is just amazing and there is no doubt this is the nicest driving and hauling truck I have ever owned (I've owned over 20 trucks) and I love driving it. However, this is not just a small issue and I hate starting it when people are around, that's a real problem for an owner.

I love my truck as well. There is no other truck out there that rides as nice or is as luxurious. But... at the end of the day I want a reliable vehicle. From what I've gone through with my truck so far, there is just one example after another of problems and issues. Just when I think I'm in the clear and I've got them all taken care of, something else goes wrong. A new clank, clunk, malfunction and now the hemi tick. It's just too much to deal with.

And I do agree, if you try and trade these trucks in to minimize your losses, a tick or clunk will be the tell-tail sign that it's not a good vehicle. We're stuck.

The new Toyota Tundra will come out next year. I may wait a few years until they have their bugs worked out then get rid of my Ram.

The Tundra won't be nearly as nice or luxurious or even ride as nice, bit it will last forever with minimal issues. I'll end up taking one hell of a loss on my Ram.

 

[JTMachineDesign]

We just sold our 2005 Grand Cherokee with the Hemi.. it's "ticked" when we got it a 60K miles. and still did it when we sold it at 200+K miles.
Do what you want, but predicting doom and gloom is only guessing. Our real experience shows a very different view.
My new 1500 has the same engine (with obvious improvements) but still has the exact same "ticking"
I'll take my actual expereince over your guessing any day.