I have a 2008 Ram with a 4.7 liter engine, with roughly 6500 miles on it. Starting the vehicle after it has sat overnight, in temperatures varying from 30 degrees to 40 degress (outside temp), after a minute or so, it develops a chatter, until it's warmed-up. It appears to be coming from the left-side of the engine, and I cannot pin-point it.

I'm using 5W30!

Any suggestions? Lifters? Is this normal?

Kevin

 

i thinks its normal. mine does that too. when i was at the dealership it did that and they said its a self tension pulley, it also chatter when i do doughnuts out in my field. but if its not normal then yes some one please chime in and correct me.

 

Shoot, I chatter then, too. But your truck should not. That's not all that cold from the truck's "viewpoint". Something's not aligned correctly, if it's the tensioner.

 

I get the same thing too, and have been a bit concerned about it. I guess since the hemi knocks, we get to chatter....

 

I've never noticed this with my truck even in colder temperatures.

 

Turn that into a YouTube moment.

 

From discussion with others, including one dealership, I have come to the conclusion that its just the tensioner, for the timing chain.

The one dealership also indicated, that it will not affect the timing chain, and the problem may be caused by oil sprayers added to the newer 3.7L and 4.7L engines.

Input please!!

Kevin

 

Why 5w30? Doesn't it call for 5w20? Too thick of oil is bad news for an OHC engine, especially when cold.

 

Take a long screwdriver, hold the tip to different parts of the engine and put your ear on the handle. This technique should help you pinpoint the sound. They also sell something called a mechanic's stethoscope used for the same purpose, parts store may have em.

 

hemi calls for 5w30 at least my 04 does, not sure about the 4.7