Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ticking Noise

[WOTURBO]

DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY IDEAS OF WHAT COULD BE MAKING THE LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE? IT SEEMS TO GO AWAY WHEN U SLOWLEY REV THE ENGINE.

 

[hsmith]

Might want to have a check-see at the lift pump.

 

[BigPapa]

It's most likely your lift pump. Change your fuel filter and see if that helps.



Scott

 

[WOTURBO]

The Filter Was Changed Less Then 2 Weeks Ago.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

could be a bad overflow valve also

 

[Missouri Mule]

Could be a sticking delivery valve. When mine made a ticking sound (twice) I ran some cleaner that cleaned things out and lubricated the pump. If you haven't ran a cleaner thru it in a while try that.

 

[USMCBay]

My '97 has the same thing. Sounds more like sand in a small tin shaker. Like an exhaust leak...

 

[WOTURBO]

Where Do You Find The Overflow Valve?

 

[DonFitzwater]

It's mounted to the injection pump on the inboard side next to the cylinder head. There is actually a notch in the the side of the head that was put there for the overflow valve. It is what keeps pressure in the injection pump. A pressure regulator of sorts.

 

[RSivula]

link Ram Diesel Injector Pump Problems

overflow valve TSB TSB 14-07-96 Rev. A

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Always worth checking the overflow/ delivery valve but you may be looking at replacing the lift pump. Apparently when the return springs get worn the piston plunger lags behind the cam-driven push rod on its down cycle when the rod returns it collides with the still-descending piston—hence the click. Most reports suggest the noise well precedes any performance issues so you probably have good lead time before the -must-do- phase!! On the plus side, after I replaced mine at almost 200K performance got a boost since fuel displacement went up!!

 

[MHalloran]

It's mounted to the injection pump on the inboard side next to the cylinder head. There is actually a notch in the the side of the head that was put there for the overflow valve. It is what keeps pressure in the injection pump. A pressure regulator of sorts.

WOTURBO,

DFitz is right about this "notch" in the edge of the head for clearance. On mine I had to actually enlarge (with a file because there wasn't really much of a notch at all) the notch so I could get the overflow valve out after spinning it loose. A banjo bolt set-up with the rigid fuel line connected to it. Before you loosen it, stick a rag down in the space underneath it to catch the WASHER that may fall after you loosen it. Don't wanna lose it, gotta re-use it. Good luck. Mike

 

[surfbeetle]

Okay, I have the same ticking noise. I think that it started to happen when the fuel changed to ulsd. When ever I change the fuel filter, it quiets down for a day and then it comes back after a couple of days. Should I change the Overflow valve? If its not the overflow valve, then what's the next thing to check? Last weekend I changed the fuel filter and cleaned the pre filter down below the fuel filter. The truck had more power at that point, but like I said, the ticking has returned.

 

[surfbeetle]

Bump, just trying to get an answer

 

[RedRamer]

Mine made noise after I got the lift pump changed by the dealer. He never changed the pushrod. Read somewhere after that the pushrod s/b changed at the same time as the lift pump to prevent "slap".

Been listening to it for 5 years now, only hear it when idling, especially cold.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

If it's a loud tick, just like a lifter noise it is probably the fuel pump/push rod. It can run forever like that. I wouldn't worry about it if that's what it sounds like. If it bothers you, you can change the lift pump and pushrod and it will probably go away.

Joe

 

[crasher]

I just replaced the lift pump on my '97 at 260K. It was driving me nuts to listen to at idle. I noticed that it would disappear with slight pressure on the primer button. That was how I decided it was the lift pump spring itself. Anyway, I replaced it and finally got that new lift pump button cover to replace the one I lost a few years back. And I recommend using the stud method to align the pump and preheater on the block. I just used the short bolts that were stock length and keeping both housings, two gaskets and the pushrod all coordinated was a, uhm, 'bear'. Now I've got to try getting my injector pump timed.

 

[WOTURBO]

I Have Finally Replaced The Overflow Valve And Lift Pump. The Lift Pump Came With A Pushrod. The Ticking Noise Is Still There. It Comes And Goes. Anybody Got Any Other Thoughts?

 

[JacobsonD]

Search for the thread titled, "Ticking Noise = Lift Pump?" in the 12 Valve Engine and Transmission (1994 - 1998) section. There is an idea in that thread regarding your fuel line that may help.

 

[surfbeetle]

I replaced the overflow valve last month with the one from PDR and the ticking is gone. But I also started using bio diesel at the same time, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it.