"Tickety tick" in the Morning

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Being a 1st time diesel owner, there are new sounds to get used to. However there is one that doesn't sound so healthy and I'm not sure what it is. Does it when the engine is cold, at light-to-moderate throttle and only between 1600-2000 rpm. It chatters at the same cadence as rpm, and sounds like the injector pump or injector for one cylinder since there is just 1 cylinder making the noise. Any ideas on how to go about diagnosing it? Thought about doing a valve adjustment to eliminate the possibility but it doesn't sound like a lifter. It is a cheap, tinny sound and may be something rattling under the hood caused by more engine vibration when cold. Wondering if anyone has heard the same sound. Engine runs smooth, cylinders fire evenly, great power.

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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T QC 4x4 Longbed, 24-valve 5-spd, White over Driftwood, Leather & Loaded, foglights, airdam, DeeZee Running Boards. 49,900 mi (10/26/99) 17. 5 mpg first tank, 100% gettin' on it around town!




[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 10-27-1999). ]

 

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Well, I can at least confirm that I hear the same thing. I liken it to the sound of a mis-adjusted lifter, but I'm not saying that's what it actually is. I've had the same thoughts of getting a valve adjustment to rule that out.

Sorry I don't have a solution to the mystery sound, but I'll be interested to see what comes of your post also.

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Allen Davis
'99 3500 4x2, 24V ISB, SLT, QC, Extended, Duallie, 3:54 Auto, License Plate: DGEZLLA

 

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I get the same noise. Seems to not be there on warmer days. Hope this is just part of the normal noise. Altho I don't remember hearing it last feb when I got my truck.
Any answers?

Don


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"The Shadow" 1999 Dodge Ram SLT 2500 QC 5spd 3. 55lsd, Short Bed, Sport, Black, Camel/Tan Interior, Trailer tow package, Camper package, Infinity sound.

Elba Twp, Michigan



[This message has been edited by Don Marriott (edited 10-27-1999). ]

 

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I guess the question at this point is, how many folks out there with the 24V have had their valves adjusted, at what mileage point, and what drove your to suspect this a s need so early on in your mileage?

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Allen Davis
'99 3500 4x2, 24V ISB, SLT, QC, Extended, Duallie, 3:54 Auto, License Plate: DGEZLLA

 

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I can't offer too much in terms of mechanical analyses or explanations, but I can tell you what the diesel tech at the dealership where I bought my pickup said -

That the sound you're hearing - at least the way you're describing it - is characteristic of the electronic injection pump when it's cold. It varies in intensity among different pickups, but it's normal.

Now IF that's the sound you're hearing you don't need to worry - at least according to him - on the other hand if it isn't the same noise then my little blurb is meaningless.

Hope this helps

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors - LT255/85R16 Kelly Safari AWR's on order, etc.....

 

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The injector pump was a secondary idea on the noise I was considering. The Cummins is a quality engine and I would not suspect that the valves would come from the factory requiring any adjustment so early on. My only reason for considering it was that I had seen 1-2 posts on the old board noting that some folks did get an adjustment early on and found a few tweaks were needed. I might get it done anyway around 20K just because I'm male and genetically need to spend money unnecessarily.

My wife claims that I never can get out of Lowe's for less than $50. If I didn't spend money on a vehicle, she'd freak on that also.

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Allen Davis
'99 3500 4x2, 24V ISB, SLT, QC, Extended, Duallie, 3:54 Auto, License Plate: DGEZLLA

 

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Thanks all for the input, I don't think I have much to worry about. I'll check the valve adjustment in the next month or so when I do the antifreeze & oil change. If the injector pump is actually a problem, it has 50,100 miles yet to crap out under warranty.

 

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Is a valve adj covered under warrenty? Bet not. What does Cummins charge for this?

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98. 5 ISB QC LB 4x4 Driftwood Leather 3. 54LS 5sp Ordered new w/all options except front abs
Upgrades: K&N,Polished Stainless rocker panels Kenwood 10 disc CD Mopar
Aluminum "nurf bar" runnin boards.

 

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The first winter I had my 96 I heard lots of new sounds the colder it got. Those of you going into your first winter with a diesel expect lots more noise. Most if not all is nothing to worry about. The sounds are pretty temperature specific. Once things get below -15 the engine is much quieter again, REALLY!. My normal idle is about 900 rpm, when I start it below about -10 it idles around 500 if I leave it on its own.

I have had a chance the last few weeks to spend some time pulling with a 99 24V.

BOY IS IT NOISY! Warm or Cold compared to my 96 12V. Lots more valve noise. This is a ST not SLT truck and maybe cheaper trucks get cheaper sound insulation. I love the electronic trottle control when starting(5sp) but not the disconected feeling with the foot trottle. When I tap my 12V it instantly responds not this 24V. Did seem to have OK power.

Back to noise, I would think the rotory pump in a 24V is much quieter (when cold) then the inline pump in the 12V. Mine sounds like to seperate motors running when very cold.

Don't let the sounds bother you, Just drive it and enjoy!

jjw
ND

 

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JJW, the increased noise you hear in cold weather on the 24V is combustion racket, not the injection pump itself. Timing is electronically advanced for faster warmups then retarded as temps increase, thus the noise drops. The 12-valve motors' timing is fixed, so that's why it is quieter. The strange noise I heard on my truck didn't sound like combustion noise.

 

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Correct me if I`m wrong. 24 Valve ISB engines have hydraulic lifters. You cant adjust the valve lash. Shouldn`t have to. The lifters will keep excessive clearence in check #ad

 

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Solid lifters in 24V as in the 12V. Just don't have to adjust them as often.

I think this makes things much more acceptable to exhaust brakes. Seems to be a problem with Powerstrokes and their hydraulic lifters. You experts out their can clear up the facts.

Solid lifters is good. Just one more thing to enjoy doing on the truck!

jjw
ND

 

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I agree with the above mention regarding the isb making more noise while cold. My information is that the timing is electronically advanced till the engine warms up. Also regarding HHD, the isb does have solid lifters. I recently had mine adjusted at 30k and the wrench that did the work told me they were real close, some off a couple thou, and most right on. The "99 has extended valve adjustment maintenance requirements according to Cummins NW. First recommended adjustment is over 100k. My valve adjustment cost me $85. 00.

As far as other noises go, you can hear the lift pump operate by bumping the starter and then leaving the key on, this is also how you purge the air out of the fuel system after a fuel filter change. It makes a clackalackalacka noise. Could you be hearing this?

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3/4 ton, 5 sp, lsd, 2wd, qcab, guages, Scotty sys. Rhino liner, Blue Box hp enhancement

 

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Yip, mechanical lifters, way to go! Reasons why:
--Not a problem to use exhaust brakes. On PSDs the e-brake creates exhaust manifold backpressure, which partially overcomes the force of the exhaust valve springs to keep them closed. With enough backpressure, the hydraulic pressure of the lifters overcomes what spring pressure is left, and the lifters pump up with more oil. With a pumped-up hydraulic lifter, the exhaust valve will not close all the way. Not a good thing. If they pump up enough, the piston and valve collides--instant valve, lifter, rocker arm damage!
--No lifters going flat or bleeding down, which causes a valve to barely open. Loss of performance, potential for burned valves. Mechanical lifters are one piece and not much can go wrong with them!

Hydraulics are used on gassers for quietness and reduced maintenance. I imagine they're used on a PSD because who in their right mind would want to try a valve adjustment on PSD???



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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T QC 4x4 Longbed, 24-valve 5-spd, White over Driftwood, Leather & Loaded, foglights, airdam, DeeZee Running Boards. 49,900 mi (10/26/99) 17. 5 mpg first tank, 100% gettin' on it around town!

 

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Amen to that brother!!! When I looked in my friends 2000 F250 PSD hood I nearly died!! I could barely see the engine in that thing under all of the wires and hoses. I'm not easily intimidated by anything mechanical or electronic but I wouldn't want to dive into that engine compartment for a million dollars! The funniest part was that he looked at mine and said the engine looks so small!! I said man I can hardly see your engine!

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-Steve St. Laurent
'98 Quad Cab Long Bed (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc remote fuel filter,
boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly stainless nerf bars,
BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's
http://my. voyager.net/stevest