Hey....my name is Rob and I recently bought a 2003 Ram 1500 with the 4.7 engine.

Clean truck, sharp actually....but it's got 146,000 and what I diagnosed as "ticking" from either an exhaust leak or maybe lifters has shortly grown into a slight knocking sound.

It's most predominant when I start the truck and quiets down shortly after....almost disappears when I apply the throttle.

I noticed an Advance Auto Parts oil sticker in the windshield from the dealer so I assumed they did their own oil change and may have put the wrong oil in the truck....sooooo I researched high-mileage oils and had 5w-30 Mobil-1 high-mileage oil put in the truck and the noise is still present.

Any concerns??? Or is this one of those noises I will just have to get used to being 146,000 miles....It's a seriously strong motor, no slippage issues or throttle response. Tight truck all around and was well maintained....just got a ticking/slight-knock and has me concerned enough to ask on here.

Thanks guys.....

 

Welcome to DF. Moving to the correct section.

 

I would say definitely an exhaust leak. I had a 4.7 in my dakota and I had the same problem. You really have to make sure you do not run that engine hot. Other than that, it is a great little motor.

 

Sounds like exhaust to me, too. Especially since it quiets down when warm.

 

Had me really concerned....thought maybe it was knocking internally as I don't notice any hissing of exhaust after the ticking-noise. Sounds more like a definite ticking....like a rattle. Almost as if the oil pump wasn't working initially to get oil to the top of the motor....then it subsides, again, after a minute or so and is quieter.