Clanking Noise
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
Clanking Noise
I recently bought a 98' Dodge Ram 5.2L 5spd, 4x4 extended cab and I am happy with the truck, however there is a clanking noise that only seems to appear when my engine is under heavy loads, ie. going up hills. I have done some searching on this site and found that it may be a plenum intake gasket ??
The noise sounds like something is knocking in the engine, but again it only does it under heavy loads?
Am i correct on my analysis or is there some other things i should be checking. Thanks for all your help.
Jason
The noise sounds like something is knocking in the engine, but again it only does it under heavy loads?
Am i correct on my analysis or is there some other things i should be checking. Thanks for all your help.
Jason
Record Breaker
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 0
From: Gaylord, MI
RE: Clanking Noise
Thats ping (spark knock) its VERY bad. This is a common problem with some easy fixes.
First thing to check is your intake plenum gasket. Take your air cleaner off and grab a flashlight. With the car off open the butterflies on the throttle body and shine the flashlight down and have a peak. If you see lots of oil down there you have a leaking plenum. This is a really common problem and a moderatly simple fix for the experianced mechanic. If not its probably gonna cost a few hundred at the dealer.
Another fix that DOES NOT cover up the leaking plenum is to put a 180 degree thermostat in there. This keeps the engine cooler so is does predetinate as easily.
Some of these trucks came with the "death flash" which retards the timing, which helps ping. It also kills power, so its a possibility that your truck has a Mopar Performance PCM or another programer like SuperChips or Hypertech installed. Check the plenum first and let us know what you find!
First thing to check is your intake plenum gasket. Take your air cleaner off and grab a flashlight. With the car off open the butterflies on the throttle body and shine the flashlight down and have a peak. If you see lots of oil down there you have a leaking plenum. This is a really common problem and a moderatly simple fix for the experianced mechanic. If not its probably gonna cost a few hundred at the dealer.
Another fix that DOES NOT cover up the leaking plenum is to put a 180 degree thermostat in there. This keeps the engine cooler so is does predetinate as easily.
Some of these trucks came with the "death flash" which retards the timing, which helps ping. It also kills power, so its a possibility that your truck has a Mopar Performance PCM or another programer like SuperChips or Hypertech installed. Check the plenum first and let us know what you find!