I have a 2006 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi, I am hearing a ticking noise from the driver's side by the wheel well, it is actually louder when it warms up and I can hear it still as I bring the RPMs up. I attached a short video of the noise, I know it's not the best but hopefully it comes across ok. I've read here and in other forums that this is known as the "Hemi tick", but there seems to be several opinions on what the actual root cause is. From what I've read it seems that the two most likely possibilities are exhaust manifold leak or a lifter. To me it sounds like a lifter, but I'm looking for others' thoughts on it. If this is a lifter, is this still normal for these Hemi's or is this something I need to be concerned about? Thanks!

 

Might wanna have a look at the exhaust manifold bolts. See if any are broken.

 

I just viewed the video. It sure sounds like an exhaust manifold leak, to me. Remove the heat shields and inspect the manifold bolts. Odds are, one will fall out in your hand when you remove the shield. Next check the manifold to exhaust pipe flange connection.

.... I do not think that is a lifter. If it is, do a self check on your maintenance practice and schedule wrt oil changes. Change the oil frequently, synthetic or not. My hemi lets me know when I have overlooked or been negligent. It starts to make odd noises and ticks. I change oil, all goes quiet and smooth again.

 

 

Just got an update from the dealership doing some repairs on the truck, their mechanic said the ticking is from the injectors and that there's nothing wrong with them (in other words, they won't replace them). Doing a little research, it sounds like this is somewhat common, or at least not unheard of. I've also come across comments from people saying they run fuel with no ethanol and that would help. Maybe it needs some seafoam? Is this something I should worry about or is it no big deal? If I have to push the dealership to fix it, it's going to be an uphill battle... And of course that all depends on whether they're right about it being injectors.

 

Injectors are just solenoid valves, so, a bit of noise isn't unusual.

 

I think they are full of BS, that sounds like an exhaust leak, check them rear bolts, I bet they are broke. This is a common problem, I know I just had mine repaired.

 

 

Hey guys, coming back to this with an update, I recently had the truck in at a different service shop and they agreed that the tick noise was injectors, they hooked it up to their computer and watched the timing of the injectors firing while listening to the injectors one at a time with a stethoscope. I haven't checked the exhaust manifold bolts but there hasn't been any change to the noise in this time so I'm going with that for now.

 

Yeah, the injectors can be loud.... some are worse than others.