I've noticied recently that my Cummins is making a sort of "tink" "tink" "tink" sound when idling. I know a diesel rumbles and rattles, but this is a distinct sound. Is this anyhting I should worry about?

 

saounds like you may have a vlave that is egtting a little out of spec. . .or some carbon buildup on an injector. does it go away as engine RPM's increase???

 

Yes, at throttle the sound seems to go away, but then again, it's kinda hard to get out and listen when rolling dow the freeway ;-P

 

Mine has been doing the same thing for 118k. It seems to be more noticable during the winter months. It is more of a tic tic sound. It also seems to come and go when I listen, not a steady tic. I dont worry anymore about it because it has never seemed to get any worse. Maybe it is the winter fuel? I have noticed that several of my customers do the same thing when they let their truck sit and idle in front of my store. Just drive it like its stolen and dont worry with it. Good Luck

 

Mine has a ticking from the passenger side when it is cold kinda like a tink tink sound I thought it was coming from the exhaust manifold

 

I noticed my "tin" "tink" "tin" sound got a lot worse and much more noticeable after switching to the USLD. I'd hear it randomly before we made the switch last spring when it was cold and such. But now that we are on USLD I hear it a lot more. I don't hear it as much now that I have the S & B on though.

 

I have an 06 with the 5.9L, auto. I have the same random tink, tick, ping noise at idle. Kinda a metalic ting... hard to put into words. It is most noticeable while idleing in gear at a stop light but once I put it in neutral or park it goes away. Engine has to be at operating temp for it to be more noticeable too. The tech at the dealer can't hear it, but he is allegidly hard of hearing. Took it to a Cummin's speciality shop, and he could hear it but told me not to worry about it at all. Didn't really give me an answer to what it is but mentioned that it might be an injector delivering more fuel than the others or just some random noise that can be heard now since they are running quieter... Not sure, but glad to hear I am not the only one that can hear it their engine. I will run some additive and that does quite it down a bit, but still there. If anyone gets this cured if it is cureable, please pass on the info. But, my gut tells me that the comments in above posts are right on.
i am in line for a new TQ and valve body under warrenty, and if for some reason that helps reduce the noise I will repost but won't get my hopes up.

 

Yes, definitely there after the engine warms up and definitely when in gear and idling. Still there idling in neutral, but not nearly as bad. Also, definitely more noticable now that all we get is ULSD.

Speaking of additives...what do you recommend? I am currently in Texas, but in the next couple weeks I will be moving to Pennsylvania (i.e. cold!). What should I put in the tank to avoid gelling and to help get extra lube due to the ULSD?

Also, I looked and my truck does not have the plug for the block heater. Does this mean my truck doesn't have a heater at all, or do I just need the plug installed? I'm definitely gonna need that heater in PA.

 

BT what year truck is it? Most of the new ones have the block heater they just don't have the cord [:'(]

This thread has an image of where the actual plug is on the block:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_835923/tm.htm

If you have that and just not the 110 cord you can buy that from Dodge or Genos or any number of other places.

 

Truck is an '04 QC 2500 4x4 auto.

Guess I just need to get the cord...and I'm guessing, it's probably something like $399.99 (just because it's specific to a vehicle)...lol!!

Just kidding...will pick one up before I head north.