So I’ve got a V8 with 126k miles on it, and I’m noticing a clicking sound when I do a cold start. It goes away once the engine warms up. Should I be concerned or is this normal?
Could be a lifter tick. It doesn’t quite sound like cam phasers to me, but I can’t say for sure.
Morgan said:
Could be a lifter tick. It doesn’t quite sound like cam phasers to me, but I can’t say for sure.
Yeah, I’ve heard about the 5.0 having cam phaser issues, but this doesn’t seem like that.
Try checking and changing the oil. If it stops after that, you’ll know what the issue is and how to handle it. I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 and never go over 6,000 miles between oil changes. While you’re under the truck, also check for loose or rattling heat shields—it could be something that simple.
@Leith
That’s kind of my plan. I’ll keep driving and monitor the oil and any new noises. If it gets worse, I’ll dig deeper.
Sounds like a lifter tick to me.
Keelan said:
Sounds like a lifter tick to me.
Is that something I need to worry about long-term?
Keelan said:
Sounds like a lifter tick to me.
Is that something I need to worry about long-term?
Lifters can tick as they wear over time, especially on cold starts or with temperature changes. The fact it stops once the engine warms up is a good sign. You might want to get a second opinion from your dealer or a trusted mechanic just to be sure.
@Keelan
Honestly, your response makes me feel a lot better about it. Thanks for the advice!
Cold start ticking could be due to poor oil change habits, but it’s usually nothing serious. Just keep driving it.
Hartley said:
Cold start ticking could be due to poor oil change habits, but it’s usually nothing serious. Just keep driving it.
Noted! I’ll keep an eye on the oil levels and jot down any patterns with the noise.
Sounds like top-end lash adjuster tick. Mod motors are naturally a bit noisy because of their overhead cam design. Yours might be a little louder than usual, though. Try shortening the oil change interval or switching to 5W-30 to see if that helps. If it stops when the engine is warm, it could even be a leaking exhaust manifold.
@Taylor
Leaking exhaust manifold? Yikes, hope it’s not that bad. I think it sounded louder because I was parked next to a wall.
I switched to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 on my ‘17 5.0 at 5,000 miles, and it made the engine noticeably quieter. I’m at 89,000 miles now and haven’t had any major issues—just the usual ticking noises from this engine.
@Andi
These engines are so weird. ‘Quirky but reliable’ feels like the best way to describe them!
Might be a good idea to take it to a shop. Cars are too expensive to play guessing games with.
Kai said:
Might be a good idea to take it to a shop. Cars are too expensive to play guessing games with.
Yeah, that’s my next step. I took it to the dealer initially since I have a powertrain warranty, but they said I’d be on the hook for $4,500 if the warranty company denied the claim. That was a bit of a shock!
Could it be cam phasers?
Peyton said:
Could it be cam phasers?
I don’t think so. Every video I’ve seen of cam phaser issues has a really loud noise at startup, and that’s not what’s happening here.
Is this a 3.5?