First oil change and engine developed a loud clatter/ticking noise at 1500+ rpms

[flan]

Hydraulic lifters are almost always quieter than their mechanical counterparts. The ability of the lifter to pump up to zero lash regardless of temperature accomplishes this.

That was one of the reasons they were spec’d out for the ram, to REDUCE noise, not increase. Noisy lifters have something going on. Other noises have been confused for lifter noise, a few have heard tapping thinking it was lifters but when pressure was applied to the belt tensioner the noise went away. Check there first.

 

[301cummins]

Shoot I ran mine without the belt. Still did it. I’m gonna try pushrods. Need to find torque specs for rockers first.

 

[Mackattack1516]

My 19’ with 170K started making a rather quiet ticking noise, At first it sounded like the clutch fan was hitting something. Only seems to make noise when idling (700rpm) and warm, it also comes and goes...

 

[flan]

My 19’ with 170K started making a rather quiet ticking noise, At first it sounded like the clutch fan was hitting something. Only seems to make noise when idling (700rpm) and warm, it also comes and goes...

Could be tensioner pulley.

 

[BlueOx2500]

Ok so, got 3 gallons of 5w-40 valvoline premium blue. fleetguard filter. So far the engine is much quieter. For now no more tick. We will see going forward. On a side note I always have run stiction eliminator in my diesels. Looking back, the ticking started when I put a full dose in the truck. Never even occurred to me. In an attempt to get the typewriter tick to stop I added more FR3. Thats what tipped me off, because the ticking actually got louder. I talked to the guy at hotshotsecret. Awesome customer service. Very knowlegeable guys. Ended up on conference call with an engineer. Super cool. They have recieved tons of complaints with the rams hydraulic lifters. They recommended 5w-40. They also said dont add FR3 to stiction eliminator because it already has it and will dilute the base oil.

All that to say, I think running stiction eliminator w/ 10w30 thinned my oil out when it was hot. Not a knock on hotshotsecret, I use the heck out of theit diesel fuel supplement. I think the thicker the oil the better. Time will tell. Im not sure why the 15w-40 wont work. The lifters seem to like thicker oil.

Still no ticking with the 5w-40? My '22 just started ticking tonight at 36k miles and using 10w30 it's whole life so far.

 

[301cummins]

No ticking after about a 1000 miles. These trucks quiet down with old oil. I’ve had a scope and looked at the cam and everything. All looks fine. Keep tabs on the pushrods if you have any mechanical skills. Seems like those don’t last long on these trucks

 

[BlueOx2500]

No ticking after about a 1000 miles. These trucks quiet down with old oil. I’ve had a scope and looked at the cam and everything. All looks fine. Keep tabs on the pushrods if you have any mechanical skills. Seems like those don’t last long on these trucks

Thanks. Unfortunately my skills are limited to fuel filters and oil changes haha. After driving it to work yesterday I got out and listened and there was no ticking. Since my mechanical skills sucks, perhaps my logic does here too, but it seems if there was a mechanical problem it would've been still ticking...

 

[301cummins]

I wish I could give you a definite yes or no. From my experience after an oil change you’re going to experience ticking. 1k miles or so it should subside. I don’t think it Really matters what oil you use (brand) obviously don’t use 15w-40. I checked my pushrods at about 85k miles because in my research I noticed quite a few truck with bent pushrods. They are fairly in expensive. I ended up finding some decent wear on the rocker arm side of them. It looked like a lack of oiling. Full disclosure I bought my truck used so don’t really know what happened before me. Cummins has always kinda had weak pushrods. If your running stock power you’re probably fine with the stock units.

I I have made one observation . At idle the oiling seems very weak on the valve train. I would limit idling as much as possible. Or kick into high idle to get oil moving better.

 

[SaladBowlRam]

It’s been a while to say the least since I originally posted this. I had forgot my password here and to my email and couldn’t recover. Thought about making a new profile and add/reply to the thread but didn’t want to make a hassle all over again. Well now I have regained access to my email, ironically while dealing with a issue with my Ram and found a old notebook with my password(well a hint, so to say).

Anyway, I do have an update, unfortunately, with real no concrete answer.


I did take my truck for service to a dealer that was not mine while on the way to pick up a new company truck at the time. Did let them know of the concern/issue verbally. Got the vehicle back, original service rep wasn’t there so followed up with a email and never heard anything back.
At that point I just kept an eye on it while doing my services. Never got worse or better for that matter.

Had some recalls and services done back in Oct/Nov 2025 at my local dealer.
At this time had a CEL come on and got a:
P003A and P0299.
Brought up the noise issue in detail and said they would look into it. Had it for about two/three weeks due to backorder parts on codes. Once fixed techs had tried to replicate at exact time/rpms but no luck. Did state they took note of and whenever I was in the area to give a heads up will have tech come out or potentially ride-along.
Though not what I would like to hear, I’m comfortable with their ability to try to solve the issue or escalate it at this dealership. They have a good rep and I always have had great experience with them going above and beyond, could be biased though with my opinion.

Haven’t had an chance to take it for the simple fact that I have a company truck and always drive that around. Wife drives the truck in town for work. Maybe 3/4 mile round trip in town.


In regards to some of your comments and similarities. I personally do not believe this is normal. Prior to my current employer, I had ordered a few Ram 2500 for the company. Working in the agricultural industry and hauling equipment, I’ve put the company truck through the test and used both viscosity of oils and never had this tick/rattle noise. Other colleagues in the industry have the same trucks for work(some discrepancies in options and trims, but I would assume that would be anecdotal at this point) and some have and others don’t with the tick.

I will continue to work with my local dealership, and will keep you guys appraised to any new additional information that I have. Once I get back to California in the next few days.