About 6 months ago I purchased a 2005 Dodge Durango Limited, 5.7 litre Hemi. It has been a very good vehicle, 59000 miles so far. My question is that when I first start it up in the morning after it has sat all night I hear what sounds like a lifter noise from the top of the engine for about a minute then it goes away. Is this something to worry about? I did the first oil change using 5w20 valvoline conventional motor oil and a OEM Mopar oil filter. From what I can remember it has always done this. Thanks

 

I think this year had valve spring problems on the Hemi.
FF

 

TMG:
What is the build date on your 05?
If it is an early one, you MAY have the beginning of valve spring issues that can eventually destroy the engine.
At only 59K, that baby has not been driven much for an 05. The Hemi in my 04 with an 01/04 build date died at 39K due to a collapsed valve spring.

I think it would be a good idea to pull the valve covers to perform a visual inspection of the valve train.

Don

 

Don, the date of mfg. is 01/05. Like I said it only makes this noise when you start it up first thing in the morning after it has sat all night and then it goes away after about a minute. If I pull the valve covers, what should I look for. I am not real experienced with these engines, like I said it sounds just like a lifter noise to me. Thanks, Tim

 

TMG:
Yours was built a full year after mine. As far as what to look for, others have seen spring(s) with obvious physical damage.
If the noise goes away as you say, possibly you have a lifter with some dirt in it.
If this is the case, maybe just keep your ears tuned in for any change in the circumstances surrounding the noise.
If it should change, I would get those covers off and see what you can see.
Don't forget the transmission, transfer case, and both axles as well as the coolant.
The coolant interval is 5 years OR 100K, and the others listed should be done at least every 50K and possibly sooner if you will tow hard and frequently.

A good quality ATF+4 fluid for the trans/T case, and Mobil 1 or Royal Purple gear oil for the axles.

Don

 

Don, thanks very much for the reply and the information. I will keep my ear on the noise and I think I will pull the valve covers anyway just to check things. I really don't want any problems with this especially since as far as I know there is no longer any warranty left. Tim

 

TMG:
The Federal 8year/80K warranty that covers the PCM (powertrain control module) along with the catalytic convertors could still be in force depending on your D's original in service date.
You may or may not have been aware of the now expired 7yr/70K powertrain warranty it also came with from Dodge.
This 7/70 was gratis for the 1st owner, and transferable to the 2nd owner for a $150 fee within 30 days of purchase.
The 3rd and subsequent owners were out of luck on that.

Don

 

It is only three years for fleet vehicles.
FF

 

Thanks for the info guys, but I know that I am the 3rd owner and I have had this vehicle over 30 days. The noise is still there and is only real noticable when first started in the morning. Then it goes away. I have not removed the valve covers yet to check the valve springs, this does not look like a fun job. From what I can see there is not a lot of room to do this. My other thought was to try an engine oil additive to see if this made a difference. I know there are a lot of different brands out there, does anyone recommend this? If so what one should I try? thanks

 

FF:
I do agree with your comment, but did not see where he commented about his D having been a fleet vehicle.

As far as any type of oil additive, I would steer clear of those and just run a good brand of synthetic oil along with the oem 090 filter.

Being the 3rd owner, the 7/70 was a moot point for you anyway.
I made use of mine to have both front half shafts replaced when the outer CV boots on both disintegrated about 2 weeks after I brought it home. $100 was a lot better than $500 to accomplish it.

Don