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Persistent Hemi Tick on my 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie - What's going on?

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Steve N. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:31 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie

Hey everyone, I've got a 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 5.7L Hemi, and I've been noticing a persistent ticking noise, especially when the engine is cold. It seems to quiet down a bit once it warms up, but it's still there.

I'm running synthetic oil and keeping up with my oil changes. The truck has about 75,000 miles on it. It doesn't seem to be affecting performance yet, but the sound is definitely concerning.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this the dreaded 'Hemi Tick' I've heard about, and what should I be looking for or doing next? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:31 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The 'Hemi Tick' is a well-known issue with the 5.7L Hemi engine, often attributed to lifter and camshaft wear. While sometimes it's just injector noise, a persistent tick, especially one that changes with engine temperature, often points to more significant mechanical issues.

Here's what you should consider:

  1. Check Oil Level and Type: Ensure your oil level is correct and you're using the manufacturer-recommended viscosity (typically 5W-20 or 0W-20 for newer Hemi engines). Low oil pressure or incorrect oil can exacerbate lifter noise.
  2. Listen Carefully: Try to pinpoint the location of the tick. Is it coming from one side of the engine? Does it increase with RPM? This can help a technician diagnose if it's a specific cylinder's lifter.
  3. Common Causes:
    • Collapsed Lifters: This is the most common cause. The hydraulic lifters can fail to pump up properly, leading to excessive clearance between the lifter and camshaft lobe.
    • Camshaft Wear: Worn camshaft lobes, often a consequence of failed lifters, can also cause ticking and lead to misfires.
    • Exhaust Leaks: Sometimes, a small exhaust manifold leak can sound very similar to a lifter tick. Check for black sooty areas around the exhaust manifold gaskets.
    • Injector Noise: Fuel injectors naturally make a clicking sound, which is normal. However, if it's louder than usual, it might be worth investigating.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately if the ticking becomes significantly louder, is accompanied by a check engine light (especially with misfire codes like P0301-P0308), or if you notice a loss of power or rough idle. These are strong indicators of a failing lifter or camshaft.
  • A qualified mechanic can perform a cylinder contribution test, use a stethoscope to isolate the noise, and potentially remove valve covers for visual inspection. Ignoring a severe lifter issue can lead to catastrophic engine damage, as metal fragments can circulate through the engine oil.
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