I recently picked up a very low mileage (4300) '05 Dakota with the 3.7L engine. I've noticed that it makes a clatter when it's first started that's similar to the sounds a diesel truck will make when it starts. It only goes for maybe 5-10 seconds, and then it goes away.

Is this lifter noise, or what? None of my previous vehicles have made this sound before.

 

mine has done it since new. see my signature below for what I have. Yep, defeinetly sounds like a diesel. Also sounds like a lifter tap coming from the passenger side of the motor. I am just getting ready to bring it in for a fourth time about the noise. It starts within 5 secs of startup and lasts for about 1 to 1.5 mins. My 02 Dakota with 4.7L (non-HO) never made this noise. I also went to a few different dealers in my area to listen to some 06 4.7L HO's sitting on their lot, no noise at startup or anytime.

 

Bought my '05 3.7 new in late Jan. '05. Never had that start up clatter or any other problem with this truck at all.

 

What about the harmonic balance? I think this is totally normal. Dont mess with it. ??? (i have the same noise, 06 3.7l)

 

nope, no way it's a normal noise. I didn't buy a diesel.

 

Please let us know what the dealership says about the dieseling sound. My HO does it too, when "cold". Really does sound cummins-like! No other symtoms of malfunction though, ie. smoke etc. Would like to know if it's dealer-fixable.

 

I have that noise also, i just thought it was always normal when it's cold and you get lifter noise, i have also heard that on other vehicle's, so who ever is going to the dealer let us all know what they say about it aight!!! thank's much.

 

Yes I also have that noise and the dealer kept it over night to star it in the morning but of course didn't here anything. OF COURSE. I am perusing this until it right. I noticed it more after they did an oil change using Castrol 5W20 even though the manual & oil calls for 5W30. I just can't win.

 

I'm glad to hear (well, sort of ) that other people are having this issue. Makes my dealings a little bit easier since I know I am not alone. It will probably be a few weeks but I will post the findings once they happen.

If anyone wants to compare the noise, send me a PM or e-mail and I can send you the .wav files I made of the truck making the noise and not making the noise.

 

I know it's good not to be alone and having that noise, and ofcourse the dealer wo'nt here it cause they dont listen good enough or do'nt care, well somebody will figure something out eventually, and i thought that pinging and clattering is do to the type of fuel we are running just a thought lata guy's