Hello im new here so please bear with me. I just bought a 85 ram with a 318 in it and i am noticing that when it warms up i get a pretty loud ticking noise. To me it sounds like its coming from the lower part of the motor. Also i cant really hear it while im excelerating or driving at normal speed. I can hear really good at an idle tho. Any suggestions are appreciated. I attached a pic of my truck just to show it off a lil bit lol

 

exhaust or lifters

 

Let me get this straight. The clicking noise is only there when the engine is warm. Not when its cold?

I dont suppose you can get an oil pressure test done? How many miles on the engine? When was the last oil change?

If the engine had been exposed to quaker state oil that would also be a good thing to know.

 

It still does it when its cold just nowhere near as loud. Not real sure on the mileage or the quaker oil but he said it was recently changed.

 

Bring it to a garage and have an oil pressure test done.

At the moment it could be a few things from a bad oil pump to bearings to valve lifters to a bad flex plate or inspection plate on transmission.

 

Stupid Question did you even check the oil? I had one of these one time in my shop it had been to several shops before mine. The guy told me it needed major engine work but when I checked it out it turned out to be the belt tensioner. So you need to pin point the noise. You may need help to do that.

 

A clock behind the seat

 

The sound actually sounds like its coming from the starter or somewhere very close to it

 

I know from experience that an exhaust leak will create a “ticking” sound. What you are hearing are the lifters hitting and sealing against the cylinder head. AMC motors are notorious for this at the back exhaust ports. When the motor is cold, everything is pulled together creating a better seal. Once the metals heat up, they expand at different rates and the leak will be louder.

With the motor cold, start it up and very carefully, run your hands around the exhaust manifold flanges and see if you can feel a leak. It will just like compressed air blowing on your hand.

Before that though, make sure your oil level is where it should be.

 

one thing to check. Unplug the pcv valve from the valve cover and put your finger over it. New pcv valves have an unfortunate habit of being bad right out of the package.

If the ticking goes away thats the problem. You said its near the starter and only at idle.

 

I agree check for exhuast leaks. Manifold bolts, pipe to manifold ect. I have replaced 3 set of manifolds on my truck in 40,000 miles the manifold are junk and made in China its call outsourcing I call it stupid. So now I put stainless steel caramic coated headers on and problem is solved. And gained 3 mpg to boot and more power.Into 3" Banks Mandrel bent Stainless exhaust to the rear. Most of Mopar parts are now made out of the states. Part of the bail out IMO.

 

Ok thanks alot guys. I was planning on puttin a good aet of headers on anyway. Now i have a reason to do it sooner

 

You can purchase an automotive stethoscope from amazon / ebay that has a hose end. With this you can diagnose everything from a dry seal on a steering rack to a snapping fuel injector. An exhaust leak is VERY loud thru this. I havent looked for prices lately as they last forever and I have several but shouldn't be more than 20 bucks. A must have for the home repair guy or gal.