5.7L HEMI clicking noise @ idle

**da BoMM** · 10-03-2005, 08:18 PM

I know there's another thread or two about this, but here goes anyway.

I noticed (today) a steady clicking or ticking noise from OUTSIDE the car @ idle.
I really haven't heard it from inside the car (has never really jumped out at me in 7 months and 14K miles, but then I'm usually in the car, not outside).

So, is this the FAMOUS HEMI ticking noise?

From the old thread(s) there's a lot of theory about what it is, but has anyone pinned it down yet?

My vote (from the theories) is a solenoid -- any experts got this figured out?

**NC-SXT** · 10-03-2005, 08:24 PM

Injectors - normal. I have heard then on other cars,suvs(gm)

Not to worry. Just turn up the tunes.

**bipto** · 10-03-2005, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by NC-SXT

Injectors - normal. I have heard then on other cars,suvs(gm)

Not to worry. Just turn up the tunes.

I really don't think so NC-SXT, as I can also hear the noise that I would attribute to the injectors right along side this noise. Not only that, the eight injectors clicking in continuous sequence make somewhat of a "clatter." The noise that I hear is quite a bit louder (audible even with the hood closed), and is a consistent single tick per engine revolution. At first I had suspected something in the valve train, but oddly enough this noise does not even sound metallic to me...

**schmeky** · 10-03-2005, 09:45 PM

It's the fuel injectors. Hydraulic valve trains don't "tick".

**bipto** · 10-03-2005, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by schmeky

It's the fuel injectors. Hydraulic valve trains don't "tick".

Well, 10 bucks and my left nut says it aint! :lol:

Seriously, go under the hood of the car and listen specifically for the injectors. They're there - you can pick 'em out plain as day... and then there's this other noise.

**snevey_rt** · 10-03-2005, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by bipto

Well, 10 bucks and my left nut says it aint! :lol:

Seriously, go under the hood of the car and listen specifically for the injectors. They're there - you can pick 'em out plain as day... and then there's this other noise.

Don't worry buddy, you ain't on crack (everyone else is) :twisted:. My HEMI with 13K on it makes some noise, that you can hear loud as hell at a drive thru, echoing back at you. It ain't the injectors. This noise changes with the RPM's, injectors do as well, I know that. I don't like it at all, it is embarrassing to me...

**Jaylinb** · 10-04-2005, 12:57 AM

Well, for the short time I was driving my Mag around I did hear the ticking noise. I also have a Subaru that has had the same noise for 4 years.
While driving the '06 Hemi Charger loaner I have not noticed any noise at all from the engine, it's as smooth and quiet as a cat.
So it's not something inherent in the 5.7L. It's something else (I was thinking lifter/valve slap, but maybe I'm wrong).

- Jaylinb
'05 Silver Bullet

**JMONEY** · 10-04-2005, 03:09 AM

my cousin took a look at it and he said he has the same sound coming out of his car and he said he is %99 percent sure it the valves he said have it adjusted. so i called my dealership and told them what my cousin told me. i have an appointment this thursday. well see what happens!!!!!

**Meister** · 10-04-2005, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by JMONEY

..%99 percent sure it the valves...have an appointment this thursday. well see what happens!!!!!

In all liklihood you're hearing normal Hemi valve train noise, JMONEY, BragonMyMag, and others. As the lifters are hydraulic there's no adjustment, per se, that I'm aware of.

What the dealer will probably (should) do is a careful listen to make sure that it's not tappet (lifter) noise. If he suspects one or more bad tappets he'll pull & inspect, etc.

Page 9-1613 in the SM covers it in more detail.

A bad tappet is always a possibility, especially on an engine that's getting some miles on it. So if it's noticeably louder, don't simply assume it's the standard valve train & injector noise you're hearing...have it checked.

Handsome motor, BTW, JMONEY.

**Fred** · 10-04-2005, 11:04 AM

It could also be related to the PCV system, there's a spring loaded check valve in the PCV valve that can open and shut based on how much vacuum there is on it. If you find it is this, i would not recomend a breather setup, unless you don't like your engine and plan to rebuild it soon or replace it.