My 4.7L 2002 Ram has a noise that I'd describe as a "flutter" or "chugging" sound. It's noticeable from startup and driving, and sounds like an exhaust leak to me but there doesn't seem to be any holes in the exhaust system or leaks that I can see. Seems to come from the drivers side. Here's a video of the issue, Hoping someone who's had the same noise will be able to help figure out what it is :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLiU...ature=youtu.be

 

Sounds like a common exhaust leak to me

 

+1 for exhaust leak
try to pull the ex manifold heat shields away from the manifold...if they pull back the bolts are broken... join the dodge club of broken manifold bolts of America.

 

Sounds like something in the exhaust, probably a leak.

 

Noticed there is one upper bolt head broken off on the drivers side manifold, all others are there - doesn't sound like the ticking noise my Dodge Van made when it had a broken manifold bolt and that noise would go away after a couple of minutes.
My Rams noise doesn't go away even when warmed up, and sounds more like an exhaust leak but there are no visible leaks or cracks at all.

 

when you fix it...don't drill and use extractors. weld a nut onto the broken stud

 

Alright. And is it easier to extract with the engine heated up as well?

 

Have someone block the tailpipe while running, by pressing an old rag or towel up against it. The leak should hiss at that point.

 

I do it cold so I don't burn myself. the welder will put heat into the stud and it turns out fairly easy.

mine was broken flush with the manifold. I welded on nut on it and turned it out without removing the manifold. insert new bolt and was done in 15 minutes. Still running fine 2 years later. the proper way is to remove the manifold, check for warpage....spec is nmt 0.008" per foot. Machine or replace if its warped, replace gasket, replace all bolts.

 

Good idea, did this and it only seems to leak at the exhaust pipe connection to just before the muffler when doing it, nothing further up or at the manifold - strange as the sound comes from drivers side near the engine but doesn't sound like a manifold leak at all. Mystery continues.