I have had a 2004 Ram 1500, 5.7 Hemi for about 6 years, currently with about 149,000 miles and it has always had that classic "Dodge engine knock" but it seems to be getting worse. I use Pennzoil 5w30 High Mileage with WIX filter and religiously change the oil and filter around 4,000 miles. It doesn't leak oil or blow smoke but I do have to add about a half quart every 1,500 miles or so. I have been wondering if a heavier weight oil might help with the knocking noise? Like maybe 10w30 or 10w40 etc. I have also tried additives like Seafoam in the fuel and oil along with some other additives that claim to help with knocking, smoking, leakage, etc. I would greatly appreciate any advice!
On another note, I had a 2001 Ram 1500, 360 that I purchased new and always used regular Pennzoil 5w30. It had close to 380,000 miles when I got rid of it but never had the engine knocking noise like this 2004 Hemi, it never smoked and only used about a half quart of oil every 3,000 miles. Any ideas why the 2001 360cc performed better that the 2004 5.7 Hemi does?

 

The old magnums were pretty much indestructible..... they would run forever, with just a bit of maintenance..... newer motors seem to be more picky.

Are you sure its an internal engine noise? Not just and exhaust leak? (broken manifold bolts) Or lifter tick??

 

I am 100% positive that it is not an exhaust leak however, it very well could be a lifter. I have done a lot of mechanical repairs and maintenance over the years but I have never messed with valves or lifters other than watch them work, haha. Do you have any suggestions on how to quickly and easily get rid of the noise if it is a lifter or valve? They are adjustable correct? Are there special tools required?

 

They are hydraulic, not sure if they are adjustable or not. (more familiar with the older engines.) But, if dodge followed their typical trend, probably not...... Only way I know of the quiet them down, is replace them......

Lifter noise can be mistaken for spark knock as well.... and vice versa.