Strange ticking noise.

[PIPTHEREDRAM]

My 5.9 has developed a ticking on cold start up but goes away after a few seconds. Could this this be the start of rod nock?

 

[Fast69Mopar]

If the noise you are hearing goes away after a few seconds upon startup, I am more inclined to think a lifter is bleeding down and then pumping up with oil pressure once the engine starts. Try a little Seafoam in the engine or some Marvel Mystery Oil. Run it for 500-750 miles and then change the oil with the next lighter weight oil and see if the noise disappears.

If this was a rod bearing knock/noise, it would have to be really loose for you to hear it upon a cold start. Rod knocks tend to make noise once the engine oil starts to warm up. The cold, thick engine oil hides the rod knock on cold starts.

 

[El Huapo]

Rod or wrist pin knocks are usually deep clunky sounds. I agree with Fast69Mopar, it sounds like a lifter. If you're concerned with the noise being more serious, try removing the spark plug wires one at a time with the engine running (there's a tool to keep you from being shocked). A rod or wrist pin knock will usually stop when that cylinder isn't firing. Know also that lifter ticks are not *usually* fatal for the engine.

 

[gofishn]

or pull valve cover and see if one vavle is not moving as much as the others.