Broken manifold bolt or bad lifter?

[ScrubsR1]

What's the best method for quickly diagnosing the infamous "hemi tick"? I just noticed my truck making a subtle clattering noise on cold starts. It only lasts a minute or two than disappears...sounds like an exhaust leak of some sort. I can make the clatter disappear by lightly pressing on the accelerator. With only 35,000 miles I could take it to the dealer, but they've been difficult to deal with on other issues. I'd like to try and diagnose this myself if possible. Any advice? I'm really hoping this isn't a lifter issue...

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Take a look at the exhaust manifolds while the engine is cold. See if any heads of the bolts are missing or see if you can pull one out. Grab the heat shields and see if they move.

The small exhaust leaks will make some noise on startup and will make less noise when warming up.

If you have a lifter that is not staying pumped up it will make some noise at startup as well but the lifter noise on startup is a different sound than an exhaust leak caused by a broken exhaust manifold bolt.

If you are still under basic warranty I suggest going to a different dealer and establishing a relationship with them.

 

[Burla]

At least take it to dealer and get it on paper. Who knows when their might be a class action or something, this is a huge problem. Some dealers have been real good, others not so much.

take a warm idle video with device under manifold

 

[tidefan1967]

If the noise only lasts for a few seconds it’s Hemi tick, if it lasts for like 30 seconds give or take its probably exhaust manifold bolts. I would still take it to the dealer like the other guys said just maybe try a different one and you’ll have better results as all dealers are not considered equal. Some are definitely better than others. I can’t see what year truck you have but I would assume it’s less than 5 years old with that mileage so the warranty should cover it.

 

[dano66]

My guess would be manifold bolts, just had 3 replaced around 4 months ago. It was really loud @ initial start up. Dealer took care of it with no cost to me. Find a better dealership.

 

[RamCares]

What's the best method for quickly diagnosing the infamous "hemi tick"? I just noticed my truck making a subtle clattering noise on cold starts. It only lasts a minute or two than disappears...sounds like an exhaust leak of some sort. I can make the clatter disappear by lightly pressing on the accelerator. With only 35,000 miles I could take it to the dealer, but they've been difficult to deal with on other issues. I'd like to try and diagnose this myself if possible. Any advice? I'm really hoping this isn't a lifter issue...

Sorry to hear of the trouble you're experiencing ScrubsR1. If you're not able to determine a solution and you decide to address this with your dealer, we would be more than happy to escalate a case on your behalf and connect you with a case specialist for an additional layer of assistance during that process. Simply send us a PM to get the process started.

Mark
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[ScrubsR1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I recorded a video of the cold start and shared it with the service manager at my local dealership. He was rather taken back by how bad it sounded...he's leaning towards a lifter issue. He told me they're seeing just as many lifter failures on the 6.4 as the 5.7(with similar miles) which surprised me. Anyways I'm scheduled to get an official diagnosis Monday afternoon. After it's fixed I'm done with it, along with Ram.

Here's the video:

 

[Burla]

I dunno, that one sounds like exhaust to me.

 

[ScrubsR1]

Well, I just left the dealership. The mechanic couldn't find anything wrong, no warped manifolds. They're keeping the truck overnight so they can experience the cold start noises for themselves. If that doesn't turn anything up they're going to charge me a $65 diagnostic fee which I find absurd! Hell, I showed them the video and they agreed something is seriously wrong, shouldn't that be evidence enough? I don't know what to do at this point...

 

[69GWC]

IMO they should not charge you a dime when its under warrenty, even worse when you have it on video.
It does not take long to put a wrench to the exhaust bolts to see if they spin free because they are broke and a cracked manifold would show up easy as well.

 

[LAWBC]

Does the manifold leak cause any long term damage to the engine ? I have just noticed it on the drivers side after a 2500 mile trailer towing trip. NB sounds like hell.

 

[Billyo]

that's not a manifold. its a lifter.