Just curious if this is something that is inherent with the hemi? It's been in the teens (farenheit) in the mornings here. We usually use the remote start so it isn't too obvious by the time it's warmed up and we go out to drive, but if started when cold it sounds like a mild engine knock that pretty much goes away after it's warmed up (approx 10 minutes). I'm not asking for diagnosis, just curious if something on this engine is prone to causing something like this? I've personally heard this same sound on other vehicles that have been caused by the upper valve train, engine bearings and/or exhaust leaks. We have 23,000 highway miles on this 2013 D/RT 5.7 Hemi.
Thanks for any thoughts,
Jeff.

 

Dependant on the kind of oil you use it could be normal
Full synthetic oil will flow a lot better on cold start ups
STEVE

 

The infamous hemi tick. More pronounced when cold.

 

HEMI tick it is - totally normal and definitely more noticeable when cold. The engines are relatively bulletproof so no worries.

 

Oh shoot, maybe this is the clicking sound i hear on start up for the first 2 minutes or so. does this cause any damage?

 

Read the response directly above your post.

 

I dont believe him

 

The light knocking noise you here when starting the Hemi cold is know as piston slap. I think that the Hemi use's forged pistons and this noise would be normal. My wife's 2007 300 C Hemi and my 2012 Durango all have that sound. Drive slow for a few miles and like he said the noise goes away. Not to worry.


Auggie

 

piston slap is different from engine knock. It can cause some issues in the long term, the noise is from the piston having room in the cylinder to move more than just up and down(PistonSlap.com), since i like to drive all my vehicles into the ground, this is disappointing. somewhat poor build quality on my hemi.

 

Well, I had a 1984 Z28 Camaro that I built a 355 cid engine for on a 150 shot of nitrous oxide. I used Manley forged pistons and when I started it, it sounded like a diesel engine. That engine now has over 70,000 miles on it with many pushes of the button so I say to you again "Not to worry".


Auggie