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Persistent 'Hemi Tick' on my 2016 Ram 1500 - What's the real fix?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:34 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Ram 1500 Laramie

Hello Ram community, I'm dealing with the infamous 'Hemi Tick' on my 2016 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine. It's got about 90k miles on it, and the tick has become pretty noticeable, especially on cold starts and at idle. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the engine.

I've read countless forum posts about this, and it seems like a very common issue. Some say it's normal, others say it's a lifter or exhaust manifold problem. I'm trying to figure out if this is something I need to worry about immediately, or if it's just an annoying characteristic.

What's the definitive cause for this on the 2016 models, and what's the recommended course of action for long-term reliability? I want to make sure I'm not ignoring a serious problem that could lead to a catastrophic failure down the road. Any insights on parts needed or potential costs would be helpful!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:34 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The 'Hemi Tick' is a widely discussed characteristic of the 5.7L Hemi engine, affecting various Ram models and years, including your 2016 Ram 1500. While often perceived as a minor annoyance, it can sometimes indicate a more significant underlying issue.

  1. Common Causes:

    • Exhaust Manifold Leaks: This is one of the most common causes. The exhaust manifold bolts can break or loosen over time due to heat cycles, creating a small exhaust leak that sounds like a tick. This is often more pronounced when cold and can sometimes diminish as the engine warms up and components expand.
    • Lifter/Camshaft Wear: A more serious cause involves worn hydraulic roller lifters or camshaft lobes. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters are particularly prone to this, especially if oil changes are neglected or if the wrong oil viscosity is used. This can lead to a consistent ticking sound that doesn't go away.
    • Injector Noise: Sometimes, the fuel injectors themselves can produce a ticking sound, which is generally normal and not a cause for concern.

  2. Diagnostics:

    • Stethoscope Check: A mechanic can use a mechanic's stethoscope to pinpoint the source of the sound more accurately.
    • Visual Inspection: Check for broken exhaust manifold bolts, especially on the passenger side. Soapy water can be sprayed around the manifold while the engine is running to look for bubbles indicating a leak.
    • Oil Analysis: An oil analysis can sometimes reveal excessive wear metals, indicating internal engine wear like lifter or cam issues. There are no direct OBD codes for a 'Hemi Tick' unless it progresses to cause misfires (P030x) due to severe lifter/cam damage.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • If the tick is persistent, getting louder, or accompanied by a loss of power, misfires, or a check engine light, it's crucial to have it inspected by a qualified technician immediately.
    • An exhaust manifold leak is usually a repairable issue, often requiring new gaskets and potentially new bolts, which is less costly than internal engine work.
    • If it's determined to be a lifter/camshaft issue, it's a more involved and expensive repair, often requiring cylinder head removal. Ignoring severe lifter wear can lead to camshaft damage and potentially catastrophic engine failure.
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