You're the first one that I've heard say Chrysler engineering felt the MDS ticking was normal. In all other cases the dealers seem to recognize that it's a problem and have worked to resolve the issue as a warranty claim. As in my case, Chrysler engineering was aware of the issue and okay'ed the repairs under warranty.


I sure hope you can get this resolved.


Best regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 009649 miles.

 

I’ll attempt to contextualize Chrysler engineering’s take on “normal" in this instance. It’s a bit of a red herring…


The dealer provided me with a verbal, second hand account of Chrysler’s feedback re my issue: Chrysler has received a number complaints associated with noisy/ticking MDS operation and in many of the instances authorized dealers to undertake troubleshooting and repair within the terms of the powertrain warranty. Many, if not most of these MDS adventures were unsuccessful (some instances may very well have included some of the folks who’ve contributed to this thread) and included replacement of multiple valve train components and investment of significant time/resources having dealers attempt to resolve the issue. Therefore, and because this significant investment of time and resources has not been effective in resolving the vast majority of reported MDS issues, we (Chrysler) considers my noisy/clattering/ticking MDS system as normal.


WTH!


Two other things that may have influenced the bizarre feedback: The powertrain warranty for this truck was into its last month and Chrysler had, over the past two years, soaked thousands and thousands of dollars into this truck to maintain the integrity of said powertrain warranty.


Sadly, I don’t expect any resolution from Chrysler. Although I can do the work myself, I’m not as yet prepared to start replacing parts/pieces on spec in an attempt to resolve the problem, especially in light of the experience iterated by others in this thread. Perhaps some gearhead will eventually make his/her way out of the woodwork with a substantive explanation and fix for the problem. In the meantime I drive mostly in ERS unless out on the highway or towing and on those few occasions I forget to press the button, and am deluged with the MDS cacophony, I just smash my head against the steering wheel and repeat to myself, ”It’s normal, it’s normal, it’s normal!”



Cheers,


Keith

 

Keith, is this an actual quote in writing?


I find it unfathomable that an engine noise not present for the first 60,000 to 88,000 miles or more is considered normal when it starts to appear. Especially when this particular problem seems to be present in less than 1% of current 5.7 Hemis in Ram trucks.


Some months ago I ran into a couple of CDJR techs. at a dinner and discussed this issue with them. In my case after replacing the MDS lifters, solenoids, and one cylinder head, the issue came back within a few thousand miles. One tech. stated quite emphatically that he had addressed several of these MDS noises and in all cases replacing the timing chain and chain tensioner guides resolved the problem. I did verify that there was a tensioner problem identified in 5.7 car motors, but was also told they use a silent chain tensioner as opposed to the truck motors.


I'm surprised that Chrysler is putting themselves in a position for a class action lawsuit.


Sorry to hear of your story.


Best regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 009813 miles.

 

Attached a slice of the work order:

I’m not convinced that the timing chain/tensioner is the issue in my case. Perhaps there’s another issue at play here for others suffering like maladies. Without a better explanation of the physics at work, or why/how replacing the timing chain and tensioner resolves a clattering MDS system, I’m not on board with that as a solution. My noisy MDS does not only occur when coasting but clatters under light throttle load up until I can’t hear it anymore due to vehicle speed and air turbulence. The coast down clacking is oh so reminiscent of a collapsed lifter on an old LA series or GM small block V8. Under load and accelerating with MDS active, there is more clatter than clacking and I’ll admit it akin to timing chain slap but then that should not be occurring under those operating conditions, even with a worn out chain.



Lawsuit could well be a waste of good money unless someone comes up with a silver bullet as regards the what/why/how of these mechanical phenomena.

All the best,

Keith

 

My long history of the coasting tick is well documented on this thread. Last July was my on my 3rd “repair” for this ticking when in MDS and coasting. This time they replaced my entire camshaft and all the lifters. By September I could hear it coming back. It is now as loud as ever, once again. They have now torn my engine down 3 times, each time they had my truck for around 3 weeks at least. I am preparing to take it back for the last time. I have been firm about my frustration but remained polite. This time, I am going to insist they buy my truck back, if even as credit to a new one. If they refuse they are faced with non-stop repairs for this as I have the lifetime warranty on my 09. Very disgusted at this point………will update when I know anything further. 09 Single SCSB Hemi, 64,000 miles on the odd.

 

Did they look at or even suspect the timing chain and guides?


Regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 009813 miles.

 

Hemi,

It’s your agonizing journey with this issue that has made me so reluctant to pull out the wrenches on my own. Where do I start? Be real interested to see what they (Chrysler) come back with on your end as regards the timing chain being a player in this.

All the best

 

So here's my update!!!

After blowing a wheel bearing on the long weekend im stuck at the dealer again. With that I decided to let my sales manager know what's been taking place. Well guess he will talk to service manager!!!! No progress is my guess!!. So I decided to give chrysler canada a call again to follow up on the case sarted last year about this ticking! Especially now knowing this is an issue im not certainly the only one having issues with this. Again! They have never heard f this such as issue. Now they need a proper diagnostics from the dealer!!! Really!! That's part of the problem, the dealer hasn't a clue where to start. Second to that last year to come to find out the dealer told chrysler this is all just normal noise!!! Needless to say I'm fed up! Going to dealer to pick up truck, and let the service
Manger understamd he needs to properly let chrysler fully understand this is not normal!! My god I'm frustrated!!! If you haven't called chrysler yet , please start a case for the sake of us all. Thanks !

 

I can tell you Chrysler HAS heard of this issue. A Star Case was opened up on mine on my 2nd repair attempt. At least that is what the dealer told me.

 

No they have not addressed or even suspected timing chain/tensioner. After changing lifters 2 times (without touching the timing chain) the issue went away for a few thousand miles both times. I am not saying it isn't the chain or tensioner, obviously I don't know. In my mind, if it were the chain or tensioner the noise should not have been affected by lifter replacement? Also, the issue is ONLY when in MDS, isn't the loading on the timing chain always about the same? Here is my suspicion, there is a lubrication issue up in the lifter/cam area or with the MDS lifters themselves as they keep replacing them stating they were defective. Finally my cam got replaced and all was quiet again, for a few thousand miles. Issue is now louder than it has ever been. This is no subtle ticking noise that you have to turn down the radio and roll down window down to hear - it is LOUD and it is NOT NORMAL. Waiting for the service manager to return my call from Friday, LOL.