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Persistent 'Hemi Tick' on 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn - Exhaust Manifold Bolts?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:37 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn

I've got a 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the 5.7L Hemi, and for the past few months, I've been hearing that dreaded 'Hemi Tick.' It's most noticeable on cold starts and seems to quiet down a bit as the engine warms up, but it never fully goes away. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the engine bay.

I've read online that this is often caused by broken exhaust manifold bolts, especially on the Hemi engines. Is this a common issue for the 2017 model year? What's involved in fixing it, and is it something I can tackle myself, or should I take it to a shop? I'm worried about long-term damage if I leave it.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:37 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The 'Hemi Tick' is a well-documented and common issue for Ram trucks equipped with the 5.7L Hemi engine, and broken exhaust manifold bolts are indeed a frequent cause, particularly on the passenger side. This problem is prevalent across many model years, including your 2017 Ram 1500.

  1. Causes of Broken Bolts:

    • Thermal Cycling: The constant heating and cooling of the engine and exhaust manifold cause expansion and contraction, which puts stress on the bolts.
    • Material Fatigue: Over time, the bolts can simply fatigue and snap, often flush with the cylinder head.
    • Design: Some argue the design of the manifold or the bolts themselves contributes to the issue.

  2. Diagnosis:

    • The ticking sound, especially prominent on cold starts and lessening as the engine warms, is a strong indicator. The sound is essentially exhaust gas escaping past the manifold gasket where the bolt has failed.
    • Visually inspect the exhaust manifold bolts, particularly on the passenger side. You might see missing bolt heads or rust streaks indicating an exhaust leak.
    • While not typically associated with OBD codes directly, a severe exhaust leak could potentially trigger P0420/P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) if the oxygen sensors are affected.

  3. Repair Process:

    • Difficulty: This repair can be challenging. Often, the broken bolts are seized or snapped flush, requiring drilling and extraction, which carries a risk of damaging the cylinder head.
    • Parts: You'll need new exhaust manifold bolts (often upgraded stainless steel or stronger aftermarket bolts are recommended), new exhaust manifold gaskets, and potentially new manifold studs/nuts.
    • Tools: Basic hand tools, torque wrench, penetrating oil, and potentially a drill, bolt extractors, and a tap and die set if bolts are broken flush.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • If you're not experienced with bolt extraction or don't have the necessary tools, it's highly recommended to take your truck to a reputable mechanic. Improper extraction can lead to costly cylinder head repairs. While not immediately catastrophic, ignoring the issue can lead to decreased engine performance, increased noise, and potential damage to oxygen sensors or catalytic converters over time due to unmetered air entering the exhaust stream.
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