I had the oil changed about 400 miles ago. It has always had a slight tapping sound for the last 40k, but now the tapping is *very* loud.

It's coming from the bank of cyclinders by the firewall and sounds to me like a pushrod or a valve?

When driving the sound increases around 2,000 RPM and more if you let off the gas.

Parked with the hood up and idling it's disturbingly loud, add a touch of throttle and it's alarming.

I'm hoping that it's a sticking valve or rod? I read in another post the suggestion of checking the oil level, if down a quart to add a quart of transmission fluid and drive for 5 miles to clean up a situation like this? Am I correct that this may help with my description?

I had them put in 10W40 Valvoline High Milage oil on that last oil change.

thanks in advance,

MicroSSG

 

hard to guess the right answer.

so maybe rod knock/spun bearing
maybe collapsed lifter
maybe broken rocker arm shaft
maybe worn out rocker arm
maybe a alternator, water pump or some other driven accessory making the noise.
maybe it's torque converter bolts are loose,

could be a few more possible things.

maybe you need to have someone with more knowledge in automotive diagnosis have a listen then pinpoint the problem more accurately

see it's really hard to "hear" your problem via the internet

If it was me, I'd pinpoint the exact location then disassemble as needed to investigate further.

BTW 10w40 is way to heavy an oil for these engines. this isn't a 40 year old small block chevy you're working with.

 

The noise is definitely coming from the valve cover on the firewall side of the engine. It sounds like either a lifter or pushrod.

The noise is loudest when the engine is about to shift or when you let off of the gas.
At idle it's barely noticeable, but present.

I'll be taking it to a Dodge dealer today to get a preliminary.

thanks, Paul