The old Dakota has 182k miles. A few weeks ago I started it up and heard a loud lifter clatter on the left side. I bought and installed a new set of OEM roller lifters, changed oil (Valvoline 10w-30) and filter. New lifters clattered for about 10 minutes before going silent. When restarted later in the day, it started clattering again. Oil pressure gauge is showing normal. The clatter goes away after 5 to 10 minutes of running. Currently I can not drive it because I have removed the fenders, doors and bed to repair rust.


Video links. First vid is on initial start up of the day, second vid is after it has run about 10 minutes. and
Update 3/13/17 : Started it up today. Lifter clatter on both heads. I let it run about 10 minutes and it went away. I suspect it will do it again after it sits a few hours. It is definitely not an exhaust leak. It sounds great once the noise goes away.

 

Lifter clatter, or exhaust noise?

But if it's still getting lifter clatter, have you checked the rocker shafts and arms?

RwP

 

I'll second Ralph's question. I had "lifter noise" for a long time and put it off into the future. Then I fixed the broken exhaust manifold studs and put a gasket in and guess what no more "lifter noise" It was exhaust gas escaping right next to the head on each stroke of the piston. Apparently the exhaust manifold studs break fairly often on these. Get them from the dealer. It costs more but it's worth it. Make sure you get the right washer for the studs. If you have to drill them out there is about a 1/2 inch of extra depth in the holes (The new studs will have that much extra length on the outer thread) so don't be intimidated if you happen to score up the first thread or two in the hole. I used a left hand drill, a rotary file and a thread chaser and compressed air. To get the bolts broke free use Oxy/Acetylene to heat the top of the bolt cherry red and they come right out. Propane will go to slow and the heat will spread out making it pointless. Its the sudden heat and cooling in a cold head of the oxy torch that breaks the threads free.

 

The rockers and rocker shaft are in great shape. It is not an exhaust noise. If I can find a pressure gauge, I will pull the oil sending unit and get an actual pressure reading. I did replace the oil pan gasket, front seal and rear main seal about 8 months ago. At the same time I replaced the complete clutch assembly and clutch slave cylinder. The noise is definitely from the lifters.


Edit: New manifold to exhaust pipe bolts and nuts when the clutch was replaced.

 

Mine was not an exhaust noise either. It was a definite tapping like a lifter under stress like climbing hills etc. But the noise went away when I fixed the exhaust manifold studs. There is also an internal engine clean I do where you drain the oil and filter put the old filter back on, add half the amount of new oil along with half a quart of diesel. Drive like normal for a day then drain and replace as normal. It cleans up valve seals and most anything else that is stuck.

 

I used Motor Medic motor flush before changing the oil. Maybe it will clear up when I drive it. Who knows when that will be. Poor thing is sitting with no fenders, doors or bed. Getting it back together just might be my weekend project. Plates are due and so is emissions. (damn you Colorado)