Question about how to tell if my timing chain needs to be replaced?

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Mar 26, 2018 | 10:37 AM

Distrut

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Question about how to tell if my timing chain needs to be replaced?

I have a 04 ram 1500 4x4 with a 4.7 that has 142,000 miles on it. I am noticing a ticking noise on start up that last about 3 or 4 mins then it goes away. I have read that it could be manifold bolts broke off that could be causing the noise. How can I tell if it is the timing chain with out taking it apart? Also, If it ends up being the timing chains do I have to pull the motor or is it something I can do with the motor left in the truck?

Thanks,

Mar 26, 2018 | 12:48 PM

bdhuntr

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From: Bel Air, MD

I've had that "tick" since I bought my '05 with 18K on it. It has 173K on it now and no problems. It's definitely not the timing chain in my 4.7.

Mar 26, 2018 | 09:16 PM

Distrut

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When I purchased the truck about 2 months ago the tick was not there. Then one cold morning I went to warm the truck up and thats when I noticed the noise. On cold mornings it sounds like a diesel truck is running.

Mar 27, 2018 | 06:48 AM

gcburkett

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From: Chicago suburbs

I doubt that its a timing chain. They are more of a rattle sound. What you describe sound more like an exhaust manifold bolt being broken. Is it more noisy on one side of the engine?