65 replies to this topic

[Speedy]

After one of my passes at the track a couple weeks ago I noticed the Hemi tick was a bit louder than normal.  Phil and Greg noticed it too as I pulled in to the pits.  At first I thought it was an exhaust leak, but after inspecting the exhaust I don't think so.  I used a mechanic's stethoscope to check the injectors, etc and when I place it on the passenger side head between cylinders 4 and 6 I can hear a distinct "ping" sound making me think lifter.  The lifters are still stock BTW.

 

I'll pull the plugs probably tomorrow to have a look and if they're good I'll pull the valve cover to have a look at the springs.  If that's all good I'm thinking it's gotta be a lifter which is what my gut tells me it is. 

 

The sound ONLY occurs when the engine is WARM.  On cold start up NO noise at all which is interesting. 

 

So, figured I'd throw this out here for discussion since this is one of the more technical forums.  I'll post up tomorrow when I've had a look at the plugs and springs.

 

 

 

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Update 12/15/2013

 

Well, I FINALLY got time to pull the plugs tonight.  Something seems funky with CYL 6, which is also where I hear the sound with the mechanic's stethoscope.  All the plugs looked perfect except for these from CYL 6 which were green?? 

 

I'll pull the valve cover when I get time.  My suspicion is that the lifter has crapped out and the intake valve isn't opening or isn't opening all the way and this cylinder isn't getting proper fueling, thus the green color.

 

 

[ironchallenger]

Have you changed your oil?

[Speedy]

Not yet.  I'm running Mobil1 10W40.  I was thinking if a lifter is stuck maybe some engine flush and an oil change.

[ironchallenger]

I'd say so. Maybe try 15-50

[us1champ]

speedy

 

what filter are you using?   i found that the SRT dodge filte was the only filter that helped with the TICK.

 

i realize you havn't had this in the past.. just thought i would throw that out there.

 

chris

[SRT5939]

How many miles on those springs?

[Speedy]

Using a Purolator Pure One filter.

 

Springs have about 10K miles on them and are PSI upgraded springs.

[us1champ]

just for grins you might try the srt oil filter sometime.

 

i used to use a mobil 1 filter.. purolator, and a wix..  for what ever reason after i switched to the srt filter my TICK went away even on cold start up..  supposedly has a better spring system that doesn't allow as much oil drain back.. from what i hear they are made by wix but under different guidelines.   can be bought from steve whites pretty cheap

 

chris 

[Hemi31]

A WHAT?!

[Williams RT]

A WHAT?!

a oil filter

[!FST4DR]

An SRT filter...

[TA340]

Really strange that it is louder when warm. Maybe when it is cold the higher oil viscosity is helping to keep the lifter pumped up but when the oil gets warm / hot the lifter bleeds down. Be interested in what you find out.

[DevilDogge]

He said it's louder when the engine is warm.  No tick when cold.  

 

That's one of the main reasons I liked living in Michigan over Louisville, the tics weren't around when it was cold up there either.  Can't go into the woods without having them swarm you around here...

[TA340]

I corrected my post. I meant surprised it was quiet when cold

[BayouTiger]

I thought everyone was using stock lifters. I don't recall hearing anyone changing them even on big builds. I think they are pretty inexpensive to replace. 

[Knownman]

I'm running the SRT filters.  I couldn't get them locally but my dealer finally ordered them for me.  He won't stock them?

 

I find it odd and maybe a bit suspect that the oil filter would be the culprit in this case.

[Speedy]

I thought everyone was using stock lifters. I don't recall hearing anyone changing them even on big builds. I think they are pretty inexpensive to replace. 

 

Yep, and I've not heard of anyone having lifter issues Chuck.  They are inexpensive but a PITA to get to as the heads have to come off.  I'm hoping ones just stuck and a little massaging will free it up without having to get too deep in to the motor.  I have some errands to run this morning and will do some preliminary checking on the car this afternoon.

[BayouTiger]

Hmmm. I didn't realize the heads had to be pulled, but it makes sense. 

[SRT5939]

easiest way to fix it is get a Mustang 

[StevoHemi]

easiest way to fix it is get a Mustang 

 

Shut up John!!!!

 

Don't be giving Jay any ideas!!!

 

Stevo