Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) My 1997 Dodge Cummins 12 valve ticking.

[JR Welches]

So my 1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins started ticking today. It doesn't tick when you just turn it on but after 60 seconds or so and the ticking starts. It is not constant either with is weird. I don't know because when it kinda cold out and just starting my truck the rpm are really low and this make it so when I back up it automatically stalls.. I have a video of the ticking and wondering if anyone can help. https://youtu.be/R7nP9QLJJ-o

 

[BigPapa]

That sounds like your lift pump. Can you hear it better on the driver side? Can't tell where you're at from the vid.

I have found with mine that my lift pump will start tapping when my fuel filter needs to be changed. I have also heard others say that the spring in the lift pump can weaken causing the tapping. I've never had that issue and my lift pump has several 100K miles on it. I'd try the filter first.

 

[Woodenhead]

Both 12V trucks I've owned had lift pumps that ticked, even with new lift pumps and filters they'd still tick doesn't harm anything. On my current truck I have an electric pump that I run momentarily when the lift pump can't keep up at WOT. If I turn that pump on while idling the sound goes away, confirming it's the lift pump.
I've also hear there's something to do with a vent line or return line and a check valve at the tank that can cause the sound...or something like that.

 

[JMcCoy]

That doesnt sound normal to me. That would drive me crazy. I would use a stethoscope or the old screwdriver to the ear trick to track that down. Please keep us posted.

 

[crabman]

You can take a large round plastic bottle(w/w fluid bottle works great) & cut out the bottom. Inset large long screw driver handle into top hole and tape in place. It magnifies the sound & you don't have to hold it to your ear.

 

[Woodenhead]

Or for $3.99...

https://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-stethoscope-63296.html

 

[DonFitzwater]

Mine does it also. I've grown quite used to it. :-laf