I have had a rattle underload occasionally. Today pulling a camper and having to pull out in traffic i gave it the gas and heard a serious metal tapping like something was coming out of the engine. After I got out of it the noise subsided...baby'd the throttle and pressed on. As I was moving up and down the hills on my way home things seemed fine. If I kept the rpm's high and the tranny in a lower gear there seemed to be no problems. I drove it 100 miles up and down some pretty steep terrains. I have good oil pressure and no heat problems. Is there a possible spun bearing or something that I might have going on?

Would this be a rebuild?


Should I say my prayers for making it home?

01 Ram 4x4 5.9

Jeff

 

could it be spark knock (pinging) ?
its a common problem with these trucks.
lots of info on this site under "plenum" and "pinging"

edit- a quick and easy test is to fill up with highest octane gas to see if its reduced or eliminated.

usually, a true metal on metal knock happens all the time, and not just under load.

 

Main bearing knock will show under load but you said the oil pressure is good so I wouldn't think it was them. They make a deep heavy knock, not a rattling or light sounding knock.
How many miles on the engine and any oil consumption?

 

127k just had the oil changed last thurs before the trip. It does use oil but I watch that all the time. I heard a hard metal on metal type tapping when i first took off but nothing since. Even pulling up the steep inclines. Started it this morning no abnormal noises, rev'd her up a bit still nothing.