Engine Tick off-idle

[Nightram]

Hey Guys,

I have this early '05 Ram, and anytime off idle, it has got a ticking noise, all the way from off-idle to redline, and during both acceleration and deceleration. I have read about the injector issues, but they don't seem to match what I have. What do you guys think. I just brought it to the dealer and they say it is normal injector noise? What do you think?

 

[67guzzler]

I've noticed my injectors are very loud -- ticking noises is what I hear.



Actually compared to my 96 and 97 12V's this engine makes tons of weird noises. It's quieter at idle overall due to the pilot injection and that allows you to hear other stuff I think.



Also mine does some strange noises briefly at times. Like when accelerating hard sometimes I'll get a diesel rattle like my old 12V just for a split second.



I called Cummins about it. They said that the weird noises (rattle coming for split second upon heavy acceleration) were due to the computer manipulating the injection timing. Basically I've learned to not listen to the engine sounds anymore because of all the weird stuff that's going on with the injection timing.



But the tick is most likely the injectors. I think these are among the loudest injectors that I've heard. If you're really worried call the nice folks at Cummins -- 1-800-diesels and see what they say.



I bet they'll tell you it's normal.

 

[Nightram]

JGann,

Thanks for the heads up! I appriciate the info from you, I will not worry about it. Thanks again!

 

[67guzzler]

No problem. But if you really think the ticking is excessive, you should follow up with either Cummins or another dealer just to put your mind at ease. I haven't heard what you're hearing so I have to caveat my comments by saying that I wouldn't worry IF it's the same sounds I'm hearing.

 

[Nightram]

Of course, within reason ... . Thanks!

 

[RAMINSPEED]

I had a tick that resulted in a new block. Good luck.

 

[rbattelle]

I agree that in most cases the ticking is injectors. Combustion is so quiet on these engines it's easy to hear the CP-3, the injectors, and myriad other little noises that we can obsess about. Just this afternoon I was sitting in the truck idling and thinking about the amazing number of little noises that go on under the hood. If you sit there awhile and really listen closely you can pick out a remarkably rich selection of noises from all over the frequency spectrum.



A great way for obsessive people like me to find things "abnormal". I swear I can wash my tailgate and suddenly discover my engine is making a funny noise. The scary part comes when I attempt to rationalize why washing the tailgate might have broken something in the engine. Luckily I have a support group called TDR that meets nightly. Unfortunately, sometimes the support group only makes things worse.



-Ryan

 

[JStieger]

Luckily I have a support group called TDR that meets nightly. Unfortunately, sometimes the support group only makes things worse.



-Ryan

My name is jstieger and I'm a BOMBaholic



:-laf



On a lighter note, I get the ticking too. Try turning your key to run without starting the truck and then you can hear all kinds of ticking - sounds like the injector solenoids in a TIMEX commercial.

 

[Nightram]

I called the dealer back where it is at and I asked him to call STAR and I e told him to use the stethoscope I supplied on the seat of the truck to listen to it better. The tech basically got in it, heard the tick, and said it was normal. They have yet to call me back. They always think you know nothing when you bring it to the dealer. :-laf

 

[rbattelle]

They always think you know nothing when you bring it to the dealer. :-laf

This is one thing I try not to fault the dealer for, because let's face it: most people don't have a clue. Even people who do have a clue make mistakes from time to time. From a dealer perspective it must seem like everyone is a moron. DPKetchum, got any insight into that? :-laf



-Ryan

 

[Nightram]

I went to the dealer and they said they called STAR and they said they did and injector cut-out and found nothing. At this point, I will just let it ride and see what happens. Thanks for all your replies.



Corey

 

[67guzzler]

So the good news is that they didn't find anything wrong. The bad news is they didn't find anything wrong.



Hang in there man. For some reason I think you'll know over time if it's normal or not.

 

[HOBrian]

Didn't some of the trucks that had a ticking noise find that they had a loose fuel line to the injector.

 

[JCleary]

Mine ticks while cold. Then it warms up, and the tick goes away... .



Then when the weather turns cold, it rattles all the time, even when warm...



Then today when towing a 2500lb trailer I was thinking my rear end is getting louder after I installed the PML diff covers...



Perhaps it concided with my taking off my 35's, putting on the 285 BFG's, the stock intake, and a MBRP muffler in addition to the Banks system?



I have to learn to ignore noises, or I'll go nuts...

 

[67guzzler]

I have to learn to ignore noises, or I'll go nuts...

I so agree! This 3rd gen is a lesson in learning to ignore weird noises!

 

[rbattelle]

Didn't some of the trucks that had a ticking noise find that they had a loose fuel line to the injector.

Yes. Or a loose injector.



-Ryan