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Persistent 'Tick' Noise from Engine Bay - 2018 Ram 1500 Hemi

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 1:28 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L Hemi

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 5.7L Hemi, and for the past few months, I've noticed a distinct ticking sound coming from the engine bay. It's most noticeable when the engine is cold and seems to lessen a bit as it warms up, but it never completely goes away. It also seems to get a little louder under acceleration.

I've seen some discussions online about a 'Hemi tick,' but I'm trying to figure out if this is just normal Hemi noise or something more serious. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the engine, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Ram, especially a 2018 model? Could it be exhaust related, or something with the valvetrain? Any advice on what to check first or if this is something I need to get looked at ASAP would be greatly appreciated. The truck runs fine otherwise, no loss of power or warning lights.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 1:28 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The 'ticking' noise you're describing in your 2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi is a very common issue, often referred to as the 'Hemi tick.' While sometimes it can be related to lifters, a more frequent cause, especially on these model years, is a leaking exhaust manifold due to broken exhaust manifold bolts.

1. Diagnosis:

  • Listen carefully: The tick is usually most pronounced on a cold start and may quiet down slightly as the engine warms. It often sounds like a small exhaust leak. Use a mechanic's stethoscope or a long hose to try and pinpoint the sound's origin. Listen around the exhaust manifolds, particularly on the passenger side where failures are common.
  • Visual Inspection: With the engine off and cool, carefully inspect the exhaust manifold bolts. Look for missing bolt heads or signs of exhaust soot around the manifold gasket area, which indicates a leak. The rear bolts on both sides are often the first to fail.

2. Causes:

  • Thermal Cycling: The primary cause is the constant heating and cooling cycles of the engine. The cast iron exhaust manifold and aluminum cylinder head expand and contract at different rates, putting stress on the steel manifold bolts.
  • Material Fatigue: Over time, this stress leads to fatigue and eventual shearing of the bolts, allowing exhaust gases to escape and create the ticking sound.

3. Impact & OBD Codes:

  • Initially, it's mostly an audible nuisance. However, a significant exhaust leak can affect upstream oxygen sensor readings. While less common for a minor leak, prolonged or severe leaks could potentially trigger a Check Engine Light with codes related to catalyst efficiency (e.g., P0420, P0430) if the O2 sensors are consistently reading incorrect exhaust gas composition due to ambient air ingress.
  • It can also lead to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency over time.

4. When to See a Shop:

  • If you're not comfortable with automotive repairs, especially drilling out broken bolts, it's best to take your truck to a qualified mechanic. This repair often involves extracting broken bolts that are flush or recessed in the cylinder head, which requires specialized tools and expertise.
  • If the ticking becomes significantly louder, if you notice any exhaust smell in the cabin, or if a Check Engine Light illuminates, have it addressed promptly. While not immediately catastrophic, ignoring it can lead to larger issues down the road, including potential damage to the exhaust manifold itself or the need for more extensive repairs if the bolt extraction process goes awry.
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