This is my first time posting but I have been a long time reader.

Okay here is the issue I have noticed for awhile now that there is a clicking coming from my engine. I am attaching a video so any suggestions on this would help.

The next issue is since I have owned the truck I have been getting a check engine light with the vacuum leak error codes. Obviously the first thing I did was replace the gas cap. This didn't take care of the issues so my next question does anybody have a suggestion of where to check for vacuum leaks.

2003 Dodge RAM 1500 4.7L
All stock single cab.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xxPG...layer_embedded

 

pull the air box off so you have room and while its idling try squirting a small amount of carb cleaner onto areas around the intake manifold and anywhere that you can hear a leak at to pinpoint the leak

also has it been using much coolant?

 

I will try that with the carb cleaner.

Amazingly, knock on wood with 91K miles It does not leak any fluids nor do I use any fluids. I just checked the coolant this morning and it was good. It is an extremely dependable truck.

I came back from Afghanistan after a year hooked up the same battery that I had in it and started on the first crank.

 

Is the oil sludgy?

 

No oil sludge that I know of, but I have noticed that after 3K miles that the oils is completely black.

 

Does it sound like Piston slap?

 

I am not sure what piston slap is but it has been doing in for about 3 years now.

 

CoyRoberts, 1st things first. Big thanks for your service and in-country duty time lad.

When you leave your baby again for a long period to set. Ease into making that first start if it has not been turned by anyone in the mean time. Remove plugs, Pre-oil the cyls by a few good squirts of MarvelOil and a few seconds of RPMs by the starter, watching the oil pressure.

Lets try again locating the vacuum leak.
First pass, leave the air box in place.
While its idling, squirt a small mist of WD40 here and there in the air, approx where you would think the vac leak may be found. When you've noticed a change in RPMs, you've located the leak. I've never used carb cleaner to 'mist around', maybe it'll work as well. The vac leak draws the spary in and it ups the fuel richness.

You changed the fuel cap? Double ck for it being the proper OEM match. Some cap versions will hold vacuum, other styles for certain years will not.

Piston slap, I doubt It. Loud ejectors maybe. Pull a compression check to get that off your list.

 

I couldn't load the movie.. So I was just shooting in the dark.. But doing it for 3 years? Nevermind on the slap. Lol.

 

ONEHEMI57 Thanks for the response,

I am going to listen a little closer it could be injector noise there though about it. Let me add I have noticed that when I clear the PCM that the check engine light does not come on right away. some times it takes it several days to come on. I will check using wd40 I tried the carb cleaner but it evaps to quick when the engine warms up. I will have to see if doing the compression check is something that I can do or I might have to take it in.

Thanks again to everyone that has responded