When my 04 hemi has been sitting for a few days and I first start it I can hear what sounds like a lound ticking ot thwack noise for about 3-4 seconds. Then the sound goes away. Not sure if it is a dry valve or an exhaust leak that stops after it gets hot. It does not happen every time so it is hard to pridict and take to a mechanic. This truck broke all of the valve springs at 20k miles. they were replaced with new improved ones and I have not had any problems since. I have 60k miles on it now.

Is there a device that I can install that will pump oil through the engine before I start it or can I use a very thin synthetic oil like Mobil 0-30 or something like that? And will that make a difference. Will a block heater make a difference?

Thanks

 

After some research I am thinking of switching over to Mobil 1 0W-20 or 0W-30...Are there any draw backs to this?

 

That's what I would do, there are no draw backs at all.

 

Some oil filters don't have anti-drain back valves. That would let the oil drain back into the oil pan instead of leaving the oil pump primed and little or no oil in the heads. Mobil 1, good choice. The only time it would be a drawback is when you have high milage vehicles. At some point in time the gaskets give a alittle bit. Sludge builds up along the seepage and clogs it. Mobil One and any other synthetic oil has a higher detergent level that tends to clean the build up away and cause leaks.

 

Hmm I have never heard that before, I guess that would be a draw back after all lol. I think I would prefer a leak rather than having sludge build up in my motor.

 

Just out of curiosity, After your truck started making thos clicking sounds did you check the oil level right away or right after? Or did you let it run until the noise went away? Having your truck sitting for 4 days wont make the engine compartment go dry, thats not how it works. Now if you said it was more like 4+ months then it may be another story. But if was only 4 days then switching oils wont help any to get rid of the problem. My truck has set outside in front of my house for 3 weeks before and when I went out it started right up, no clicks, no clunks, just the purr of the hemi.

From my experiences, clickin/knocking can be caused from mainly 2 things: 1. Your lifters are not getting any oil or 2. Your timing is slightly off causing your pistons to hit you valves while they're open/parcialy open. If the problem is with the lifters then your may want to have your oil pump replaced or checked out first and then go from there. Also (if you already haven't) park your truck where you can tell if its be leaking oil. Generally tossing a pop box under the truck works nicely. Also go have your timing checked, if it is off you're going to need to get it tuned. After that (depending on how severe the timing was off) you might want to take it somewhere to check out your valves to makesure they're not bent all to hell. Hopefully its not going to be that bad and you wont have to worry about that step. But never the less at the very least if I were you, I would: check for leaks, check your timing, and check/replace your oil pump.

 

Eh, mine did it every now and then. It was just some valve train noise. No biggie. The Mobil 1 I used after 15K miles virtually eliminated it. I used the bulk 5w30 Wally World special

 

My 2006 Ram 1500 HEMI has 2000 miles on it and i drive it daily. However, I have heard the exact same noise (about 3 times now after countless start-ups) for about 3-4 seconds but then it's gone. I don't think it's anything to worry about. Just valve train noise. I'm going synthetic on my first oil change but staying with the factory recommended weight.