I recently picked up a very low mileage (4300) '05 Dakota with the 3.7L engine. I've noticed that it makes a clatter when it's first started that's similar to the sounds a diesel truck will make when it starts. It only goes for maybe 5-10 seconds, and then it goes away.

Is this lifter noise, or what? None of my previous vehicles have made this sound before.

mine has done it since new. see my signature below for what I have. Yep, defeinetly sounds like a diesel. Also sounds like a lifter tap coming from the passenger side of the motor. I am just getting ready to bring it in for a fourth time about the noise. It starts within 5 secs of startup and lasts for about 1 to 1.5 mins. My 02 Dakota with 4.7L (non-HO) never made this noise. I also went to a few different dealers in my area to listen to some 06 4.7L HO's sitting on their lot, no noise at startup or anytime.

Bought my '05 3.7 new in late Jan. '05. Never had that start up clatter or any other problem with this truck at all.

What about the harmonic balance? I think this is totally normal. Dont mess with it. ??? (i have the same noise, 06 3.7l)

nope, no way it's a normal noise. I didn't buy a diesel.

Please let us know what the dealership says about the dieseling sound. My HO does it too, when "cold". Really does sound cummins-like! No other symtoms of malfunction though, ie. smoke etc. Would like to know if it's dealer-fixable.

I have that noise also, i just thought it was always normal when it's cold and you get lifter noise, i have also heard that on other vehicle's, so who ever is going to the dealer let us all know what they say about it aight!!! thank's much.

Yes I also have that noise and the dealer kept it over night to star it in the morning but of course didn't here anything. OF COURSE. I am perusing this until it right. I noticed it more after they did an oil change using Castrol 5W20 even though the manual & oil calls for 5W30. I just can't win.

I'm glad to hear (well, sort of ) that other people are having this issue. Makes my dealings a little bit easier since I know I am not alone. It will probably be a few weeks but I will post the findings once they happen.

If anyone wants to compare the noise, send me a PM or e-mail and I can send you the .wav files I made of the truck making the noise and not making the noise.

I know it's good not to be alone and having that noise, and ofcourse the dealer wo'nt here it cause they dont listen good enough or do'nt care, well somebody will figure something out eventually, and i thought that pinging and clattering is do to the type of fuel we are running just a thought lata guy's

Fuel has nothing to do with the clatter want a be diesel noise that happens mostly after sitting over night. The dealer tried, yes I said tried to say it may be normal. I said lets go start up a few Dak tomorrow morning here on the lot to what’s normal. They said that wasn't necessary. They have a factory guy coming in and will keep the truck over night. Yes, I will be there that morning for the startup. Yes, I will have a loaner. Yes if they need to get into the engine, they will own it. Yes, they will order another if that’s the case. I 'm not fooling around. I'm busy and I have life outside of a truck. I want my 32k worth now or it’s gone. I VERY happy for you people that have good Daks but I hope you will respect what some of us are going through.

yup mine does it two had in still there its going in again

UPDATE: I left the truck at the dealer last night, they had a regional manager of some sort come listen to it. They all heard it and also acknowledged it is not a normal sound. They want one other regional service rep something or other to listen to it, then decide the course or action. I am down the road of something happening, I'll fill in more as I find out more.

I have to look at the back of my pants to see if there is dirt from just falling off the turnip truck. Normal??? Hey, Dodge I'll give Freaking Normal. The noise IS NOT NORMAL.
I said to the dealer that I would be by in the morning and we will start up 4.7 Daks and let’s see what Normal is. They of course said that wouldn't be necessary.
Anyone of you Dak people that have this noise problem, YOU CAN'T EGNOR IT. You can't hide behind the pretty little truck when the main part of the truck has a REAL situation going on. This has to dealt with or after that warranty fades, you may in for pure hell. Read my lips. (Not backing down) not me. What you all do is your own reasoning. I will help all concerned in anyway I can. This may turn into a collective mater.

What is your startup noise is it that lifter noise and rattling or what is it sound like, thanx

Yes it is. More like from the right side of the engine. When it revs it becomes less and when it backs down to idle it clattering louder. This goes on for two minutes or so. It sounds like lifters or bearings.

Like i said the service advisor said it's something to do with oil not being at the lifter's, so when your truck is warm there is no noise or there still is noise.

Chad, the only time you may hear lifters and be considered normal would be in a deep freeze when you oil is thick and the steel parts have contracted in your engine or if you’re very short on oil. Other than that, there is no normal. Why are only a few, as a ratio of Dak posting owners have this and most others don’t? Which one of us has normal trucks?

Glk21C, Please keep me/us posted on how the situation is going. I will do the same.
There are others who have this problem and hopefully this will be a start to a customer-satisfied outcome.

UPDATE: The second regional service manager for my area came by the delaer today and listened. He agreed with the first manager who listened to it, it's not a normal sound. He gave the go ahead for the dealer to tear into it, which they will start on Thursday.

More updates to come....

Interesting, I just did the same today with the regional DC guy and I will post the results of the DH rep with the review of the problems. I will say this now since this was what I was told what will need to be done.. The engine will need to be torn down and the lifters replaced and maybe the cams. The trans will need a new front pump. The test drive resulted with the DH guy admitting the thing runs like crap. The truck performed just as I knew it would (badly). So with that said a decision will be made tomorrow and I will post it as soon as it’s official. I believe I will be driving a 07 and pray it won’t be anything like this major headache.

Plus, I don't know if anyone else has had this "problem", but for having the HO motor, it really sucks that I have to run up on someone and put the trans in "tow/haul" mode in order to get the speed up to pass someone, say on a one lane each direction road. Hitting the "tow'haul" button on the gear shift allows for a slightly faster downshift (only takes 1-2 secs to downshift instead of 2-3 when it is not pressed) The downshifting is so slow it borders on being dangerous.

This engine has no lifters as it has single cams over each head. My service manual calls the parts in question "hydraulic lash adjusters". They are definately bad (probably misassembled/losing oil charge at night just like the old lifters in block cam v8s when they failed). They usually don't make the noise everyone here is describing until around 100,000 miles or so....At least that was when my 4.7 in my '01 started to make that same noise. And yes it too like Graythang stated was much more prevelant on the passenger side. I hope this helps.;)

True about the engine construction but the DH rep. called them lifters anyway. Either way with a brand new engine this should not happen and to have someone say they need to take the top of the engine off and maybe need to replace the cam shaft is out of the question. They can sell this down the road to someone else but I won’t own a $32k truck that needs that kind work and a transmission front pump replacement and a bunch of other lesser things. I just hope the replacement is a far better representation of the product.

graythang I am curious why you are not demanding a full refund and going to get your dream truck (Toyota) and be all happy......when it comes to trucks the "Toy" part says it all hehe

As funny as you may think the TOY thing is you can't argue the success of Toyota and the quality of the product. I'm sure you would never take my word on this so too might consider taking the word of the rest of the world. Dodge most likely will never have the reliability and quality status of Toyota and that is DCs own fault. Its great that you are exceedingly happy with the two Daks that you owned and all seems to be right with your products. “But” their are an awful lot of owners that would appreciate better development and quality control then what they ended up with. If I didn't spend the money on the painted cap and bedrug liner for a Dakota and have to try to sell them and repurchase new a liner and cap I would go to another brand. They are buying some other accessories that are on the truck but not the cap and liner.

I just noticed this thread and had to post on it. My truck went on it's first long trip a few days ago and I noticed the same diesel clank when it started after it was warm. We ran the truck for roughly 150 miles before we stopped and, when cranking it to restart, it made the clank but that was the only time and it was once at engine turnover. After the truck cooled down it didn't do it, and this morning and afternoon it didn't do it. I'm assuming it's just when it's hot. But I did notice something else strange, I reset the trip odometer when I refueled and drove for nearly 150 miles, when I looked at it a few miles from home it said 35 miles on it. I know it was reset because I had 311 miles when I reset it and figured gas mileage. I could have possibly hit the button, but being that it has to be held in for several seconds to make it reset, I thought something was strange.

Just my two cents, but I hope to hell the truck I love hasn't gone to crap before I make the second payment!

beazer, read my 1st post again in this thread, I describe when it happens and for how long

I did, I just thought it strange that everyone else seems to have this noise at startup when the truck is cold and mine only did it when it hot after several countinuous hours of driving. It didn't continue at all, just a quick diesel type hollow clunk on turnover near the bottom right side of the motor but before the cat. It seemed odd to me for two reasons, I hadn't heard the truck do it before and my International goose-neck route truck made the same noise so loud it almost hurt your ears on cold mornings. It didn't have any lifter knocks, ticks or continuous sounds, just one hollow sounding klunk when the motor turned over to start. I haven't heard it since, but I haven't driven the truck more than ten or so miles at a time since. Like I said, I hope it isn't going to crap before the second payment is made, but I knew immediately it wasn't a natural sound from a gas engine, no matter what size it is.

By the way, I have 3.7L V6 but I notice that most others have the 4.7L.

sorry, sounds like you are describing someting completely different then what we were talking about. I have not heard anything like you are describing, thankfully. Hopefully you can discover what it is

I only got this startup noise after my first oil change. I did the change myself with Mobil 1 EP and a Ford Motorcraft oil filter. I know that alot of people had bad problems with lots of cars with some fram oil filters with back bypass valves. Also the mobil 1 runs on the thin side. Ive been using that stuff for years and years though. Im going to try thicker oil and a mopar filter next change. Who knows right? We had a ford escort that used to tick like crazy with a FRAM oil filter on it. Google search fram and dry startup.

The DH factory Regional Rep said that even though the OM and filler cap both states 5W30 DH is indeed recommending 5W20 for dealer oil changes. He told me this during the problem review process. I told him I was concerned that the dealer installed lighter oil than the OM and cap recommended. I myself feel better with 10W40 but he said that’s wasting money in oil and poorer gas mileage. Like you said "who knows"

UPDATE: It's at the dealer now so far they have taken off the drivers side valve cover, which meant dismantling most other accessories on the drivers side too, like the power brake booster, battery, etc. Now I am a little worried, read below to see why...............

"noise coming from the passenger side of the motor"

You already know pretty much what you're dealing with as far as the shop thing. Like the hospital operating on the wrong leg. It's just real scary that they are removing the top off your brad new engine and removing accessories and disconnecting a bunch of stuff etc. To believe that all will go back together just like the factory may be a stretch.

Good luck and keep us posted. Are you driving a 6.1 Hemi Rental? Hmmmm

nope, sure aren't. First it was a 2007 Trailblazer, not a bad truck at all. But since it's been past 5 days (DC warranty authorization for rentals) I am now driving one of the dealer loaners, an 05 Dodge Shadow. What a POS it is, my Craftsman lawn tractor runs smoother.........

That's all the info they have on your truck and how many day's have they had it and just because the noise sound's like it's coming from the passenger side, that dont mean it is the passenger side, sound travel's in mysterious way's, i thought i had noise coming from the back and it was really in the front of the truck, so keep us updated cause a lot of us probably want to know what that dang sound is.

UPDATE: Both valve covers and cams are off/out.(besides all the other accessories they had to remove in order to do that) Now for the regional manager to come back and "look" at it again.......

Yes, everything I am updating you on is exactly as I know it that day

I know you have to get manager's involved, but can't a mechanic look at your engine and the part's and tell if something is wrong and if you have bad parts, dunno just a thought.

you would think, unless they are planning on mybe replacing the motor?

UPDATE: Stopped by Thursday afternoon. The regional manager came back and took a look at it torn apart. Apparantly all he was looking for was abnormal wear on the cam lobes, there was none. The RM has thrown it into the lap of the engine plant that builds these engines.

Everything is only happening one step at a time under the direct action of this RM as the dealer is trying to make sure all of their time is covered/paid for.

and I found out from the mechanic on Thursday that the hydraulic lash adjusters are not adjustable but rather self adjusting to accomodate for wear over time. I say this as I asked if they tried to adjust them.

FINAL UPDATE: (for now)

OK, a little bumbed. Dealer got word from Dodge that Dodge is claiming all the clanking/rattling noise is "normal" and thus warrants no repair. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

I'm not done with this yet, just have to re-group and figure out how to get someone with authority from the engine plant to come and listen to it, which won't be a small task....

That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard from an automotive manufacture. THAT IS CRAP! Does that mean that every Dak makes that engine noise? NO of course not. Does that mean that yours is Normal and all the rest are not normal? This is an outrage! DH is at a new low. Daimler will dump the Chrysler group. Mark my words. It’s is coming. If you bought a Mercedes Benz do you think they would jack you around like you just did? I think not. Have this situation reevaluated by an independent garage. You mean to tell me they ripped apart your engine and than fixed nothing and sent you on your way?
Sorry but I'm getting to where I can’t stand to see that S… any longer.

Now that would be cool a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren pickup with like 600HP and flip up doors hehe

my diesel sounding ticking went right away now thats its colder here in NY State. I'm simply going to switch to a heavier oil next time I need an oil change. Guess mine wasnt the same thing.

I think it would be a bad thing if after the engine warmed up and it did that rattling noise and clanking noise, then i would say we have major internal problem's, graythang settle the hell down it seem's that's all you do is complain and bitch on here at time's, dude get rid of your truck and move on dang, if you read Glk21C's post, it said there was no abnormal wear on the cam lobe's, and Glk21C even if you get somebody from the engine plant to listen to it what would you gain out of that whole situation considering they said there is no warranty on a normal condition, and who is going to pay for a advisor from the engine plant to come and listen to your engine again, dont know just a bunch of thought's ole well, graythang just get a bunch of stress ball's that should help you out. :D

I'll tell you what you take my truck with the engine noise and see how you feel owning a 32k POS and see what stressed out really is. Don't tell others including myself that that’s the way it is and have a nice day. It’s wrong and there is no argument about it. The trucks that have this problem are not normal and you yes you know it. Stress balls? How about just balls when it comes to these moron dealers with their normal crap.

Hey monkeywrench i have noticed that also when i would start it up in the morning i would'nt hear that noise, very weird, so i dont know.

You sure do get away with a like of trash talking on here, i'm not telling everbody and you that's it normal i said if it also did it after the engine got nice and hot then we would have some serious problem's cause i have heard that before on other vehicle's and you looked at them and it was some pos, believe me i dont like that noise or dont know what to think of it at this time, i have heard so much, and i thought you were on your way getting your truck issue's fixed how can you still be stressed about that, if i had problem's like you then i knew there people helping me to get my matter's resolved i would be as happy as a kid in a candy store, you need to regroup and come back when you are all better, it's not healthy, get a hobby or something if your this stressed and yes stress balls, get one big stress ball and just beat the hell out of it or just go break something that alway's help's, just take it easy dude, you got to quit attacking ppl all the time.

Again just some thought's and what's DH

I found out Friday afternoon that the RM has not let this die. I will be checking in with him monthly to see what corporate has found out.

For anyone else that seems to think they have a similar problem to mine, it is imperative that you get to whatever dealer you feel comfortable with and get their regional manager involved. The more corporate hears about it, the more heads they will put together to realize this is not a normal condition.

FWIW, I changed my oil yesterday to 5w-30 Pennzoil Platinum, and this morning, the valve noise seemed to have gone away. I'll keep monitoring it to see if it changes.

I'm wondering if Carmax put 5w-20 in it when they changed the oil or something like that.

pesonally I have always used what DC recommends, 5W-30

Me too.... but when I bought it from Carmax, they'd just changed the oil, or at least that's what the sticker said.

UPDATE: Goes back in this morning for another listen. I stirred something up when I sent the soundbites I have to the service manager at the dealer and he forwarded them off to his regional manager.

Can you post the sound bites?

sure, look here

http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_582782/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm#582782

UPDATE: The regional service manager that wanted to listen to it again (he had already last month) listened again today. Also, he heard the recorded sound clips I have of the noise. For some reason the sound bite (evidence I guess) told him to authorize removing the cylinder heads (they are only doing the passenger side first) and look for any abnormal wear patterns in any of the parts that are uncovered when removing the head that in theroy should be there. If something is clanking around in there you would think it is leaving some kind of wear mark.

We'll see....

For God sake have them replace the truck instead of using you and your Dak as a Gina pig. Do you really have the time and stamina for their factory F-up? Is this what you’re making payments for? None of us should have to be put through any of this crap. Last I remembered we are the customer just look at that payment book.

they are not going replace the truck when even the factory has not acknowleged there is even a problem. An attitude like yours is why so many mechanics at dealerships and their bosses don't really care what they do. Would you just chill out already. Deal with your problems your way I'll deal with mine my way. I am dissapointed I have had more issues with this truck (this engine noise being the biggest) then I had with my 02 but it is still a great truck. Things happen and you have to just deal with it. At least when they finally find out what's wrong it will benefit the other people across the country who are having the same issue. Getting a new truck won't.

I think you've done a lot of complaining on this forum, I hope whatever the issues your truck is having gets rectified. good luck

I don't have the noise problem in my truck, in fact, I don't have a lot of the problems I have read about on this forum with my truck, so I consider myself lucky.
However, I did own an '03 Mazda Protege before my truck, and it had the exact noise on startup that everybody is speaking of in this topic.
Apparently in the '03 Protege they tried something new, I believe it was variable timing, if I remember right. They claimed the car never needed to be warmed up because of this variable timing. Every time I started it up, and as I drove and hit approx. 2500-3000 RPMs, it sounds like a deisel motor. But it was never an issue with my car for the 2.5 years I had it, just a noisy motor.

I honestly think there sould be a comprimise between how the problem is solved, a bit of your theory and greythings. I think DC should replace the motor in your truck and send the "noisy motor" back to the factory where the engineers can study it. That way you have a new motor and then it can be played with to find the problem. I know BMW and Honda will do that. I actully agree with greything on this one, but a whole new truck isnt neccessary. Money wise it would probably be cheaper for DC to do it that way than have you come in and out with engine teardowns. Your right tho when they figure it out it will help everyone, just replacing the truck would leave your old truck out in the system with the same problems as the next person may not care about the noises. I am so glad I didnt get the HO motor as it seem more of the HO owners are having the problems. I didnt get it because they didnt have a HO truck in the blue I wanted with the towing package.

UPDATE: The dealer had ordered new tappets (similar to lifters) for the entire engine last week and today they were all replaced. I'll know tomorrow if the noise has gone away.........

Waiting for those results. If that fixes it I am making an appt in the dealers service dept. really soon.

UPDATE: After starting the truck yesterday after it was put back togther and again this morning they claim it is no longer making the noise. I'll be picking it up tonight on my way home. If it sat all day today (since this morning) I should be able to tell myself when I start it but I won't know 100% until tomorrow morning when I get in it to go to work. I'll post for sure what the outcome was tomorrow morning.

FINAL UPDATE...............
It appears the noise is gone. Let me explain further. Before it went in I could here the clackty/clack at startup while sitting in the truck with the windows up and would last for a few minutes then go away. Now, if I want to hear anything I have to get out of the truck and stick my head into the passenger side front wheel well to hear a very, very muffled version of what I used to hear. And you really have to listen for it. I have two final theories.
1. Due to the more aggressive cam lobes in the HO motor, it is bound to make a little more noise than a standard 4.7. I beleive I read this somewhere also.
2. Next oil change I am going to try 10w-30 oil instead of the factory recommended 5w-30 that I have been using and see if it sounds any different.

I asked if a TSB would be developed due to all this, the answer I got was "we don't know, Chrysler is real funny on how and why they produce those." If one comes out and I can get my hands on it I will surely post it here.

All in all I think the problem is gone. Hopefully I won't be updating this thread anymore with "it's back," but you never know and it wouldn't surprise me. I hope this will help any others that are having the same noise I was. Remember, I posted the sound bites I had on this forum, just read through this thread and you find the link to where it is.
I have attached a cut-out copy of the workorder for my truck in regards to this issue. The name you see, Jeff Price, is the regional Service Manager for this particular area of Maryland. All 16 tappet valves were replaced even though they saw no abnormal wear on any of them when they were inside investigating. Figured the heads are off lets just replace them all.

local://upfiles/20642/78B33B54E9CC4DC8BA27638EAA512A7D.jpg

I've been reading through this thread for the past few weeks with all the comments and your patience in dealing with getting the noise problem fixed. My dad had similar problem with an older Chrysler 318 engine. They also discovered it was the lifters. He never fixed the problem, but the truck ran for 4 years like that. I'll keep this post in mind if I ever have any problems with my 4.7L on my 2005 Dakota.

when i start my truck it makes this thunder-like noise and then it settles to a deep tone like a lion growling. then i put it in drive and it sounds like nascar breaking loose. i will look for a TSB on this and post it if i find it. anyone else have this problem? my dealer said it COULD be the FLOWMASTER SUPER 40 DUAL SIDE EXIT NO RESONATOR STRAIGHT CAT-BACK system~ but no one is relly for sure here....oh well

That’s one way of drowning out the abnormal engine noise! You can even drown out a flat tire with a good sound system.

im sorry...i didnt realize flat tires were loud?? i could have thought of lots of noises besides a flat tire... keep thinking

Hahaha... you'll notice the change in feel from a flat tire, and if you keep driving on it (such as, to get back to your friends house) on it, and don't slow down, you'll start to smell it. Oh well, the car was a junker anyways! :D

Yes trucky, I would definitly get that looked at. Lion noises coming from the engine is not normal. :D

Anyways, hope that solved the problem Glk21C, and hopefully they'll find the answers to the other problems some of you all are having with your trucks. I certainly know I would not be happy with my new truck randomly stalling out, making abnormal engine noises, etc.

well its not a normal lion relly...it sounds more like a giant lion from space or something...and from the future.... when we find out theres a planet with giant animals on it...
who wants some of this weed?
j/k im just silly

I have a '03 Ram 1500 with a 4.7L, VIN N and it has been at the dealership for almost 4 months now. I purchased the truck used with 63,000 miles on it. The truck runs great but has a cold engine start up noise that was not there when I first got it. A few days later it started the lifter type noise. The noise is coming from the right side of the engine. Very prominent from the passenger fender well. If you walk around the truck it actually sounds like it is coming from under it, even with the hood open. If laying under the truck it sounds as if it is coming from just below the right head. Used a stethoscope and listened to it and everything is quiet except from the right head. Sounds like a loose rocker arm or a bad lifter. No where else in the engine do you hear anything with the scope. When laying under the truck listening and after the sound starts to soften it sounds like something is slapping around in the lower end instead of up by the right head, then the noise fades away. The sound use to only last for about 30-45 seconds and ocassionally up to 2 minutes. The sound is loud then softens and then goes away. Was worse in the mornings and slight noise if truck sat for 3-4 hours.

The truck had a fresh oil change with conventional oil when I first bought it. Thought it might have been cheap oil in it so I changed it and put in Mobil 1 synthetic 5w30 and the noise got worse. I had the lifters on the passenger side changed by an independent mechanic. The noise never went away and didn't change. Found out it was still under the Powertrain Warranty so I took it to the dealership that this independent mechanic had called for help. They replaced just the timing chain tensioners and the noise went away for a few days (charged me under the powertrain warranty for timing chain, guides and tensioners but did not replace the chains...this is another story in itself). When the noise came back I had the oil changed again with a different brand filter. It has now had 5 different brand filters on it all with anti-drainback valve including Mopars oil and filter. NO change.

After the dealership accepted blame for not putting the parts on they have been diligent up 'till now with trying to fix it. They then replaced the chains and guides plus changing the lifters in both heads (right head has had two sets of lifters/lash adjusters at this point). The noise changed to only in the morning but stayed the same lasting for about 30-45 seconds. It is loud for the first 20 seconds then softening and then finally going away.

They then replaced the injectors on the right side and cleaned the fuel rail but that didn't help either.

So the independent mechanic gave me a TSB from IdentiFix that showed a 2001 Dodge with a 4.7L VIN N making a lifter type noise that turned out to be a bad rod bearing. The excessive bearing clearance was allowing the piston to tap the bottom of the head. However the TSB did not state if it was only during cold engine start up. Having shown this to the dealership they decided to replace 4 pistons and rod bearings on the right side on the engine, re-used the rods and pins. At the same time they installed a new cam, new rocker arms and new head on the right side...re-using the old valves and springs. The noise never went away but the consistancy of it had changed the length of time shortened. Sometimes it would be quiet when I started it then 15 seconds later the noise would start and last 20-40 seconds.

So the dealership tried running 10w30 in it instead of 5w30. The 10w30 made the noise about four times as loud and make the noise every time I started it reguardless of how long it sat but the longer it sat the worse the noise was and the length of time would increase. I drove it for about 4 hours to go see my brother and got in it 4 hours later and it tapped for almost 3 minutes.

Dealership then changed the oil pump. No change in the symptoms from when they put the thicker oil in. Also the longer the distance that I drive the truck and then let it sit, the louder and longer it is. Now it even makes noise after only sitting for 30 minutes. But if I start it cold and don't let it warm up, just run it till the noise fades away then turn it off, the next time I start it it is virtually quiet.

Now the problem is worse and I can tell the Service Manager is getting "burnt-out" on it. I can't take it to another Service Department because now it has 70,600 miles on it (out of warranty). The dealership I have working on it is keeping an open ticket on it until the problem is fixed. I have alread paid the deductable and the problem is not fixed. Paid that when they first worked on it. I contacted the Daimler/Chrysler customer service department and filed a complaint about the engine noise and all they tell me is to continue working with the Service Department until it is resolved.

I did take it to another dealership and they charged me to tell me that I have a "sludged-up" engine and carbon on my valves and pistons....This is not true because I have seen the inside of the engine, the independent mechanic, the dealership I am working with and a mechanic friend who works for GM have all told be that the other Dodge Service Department mis-diagnosed the problem....they tried to charge me $250.00 to "flush the engine" and if that didn't fix it then they wanted to charge me $110.00 an hour to find the problem because it would not be covered under the Powertrain Warranty because the engine was "sludged-up" from poor maintanance. I told them they were wrong and at this point the Service Rep said "You owe us $48.00 and you can take your truck back to ******* Service Department and let them figure out what the problem is" Found out later all they did was removed my oil fill cap and looked at it but claimed they used a vidio device to look inside the engine including the combustion chamber....hard to do that if you don't remove a spark plug.....still had road dust on all eight of the coils and if this was done at least one would of had some sort of smudge marks on it. I left and took it to my mechanic friend and we took the valve cover off on the right side and saw that it still had the old chain and guide on it. When we looked down inside further, we saw a nice shiny new secondary tensioner pushing against and old tensioner arm. Put the valve cover back on and took it back up the the dealership and chewed butt and almost got escorted off by the police. The Service Manager didn't beleive me that his Tech didn't put the parts on. I had taken pictures and he didn't even want see them. I told him I wasn't leaving till they made it right and I stood my ground and many parts later I am here.


*****As of today the Service Manager is going to try and get autorization from the Regional Manager when they meet on Friday. The SM was going to install new valve springs since they did not do this when they installed the new head and other valve trane components. He was also debating on removing the oil pan and checking the clearances on the thrust bearing for the crankshaft. After I told him about this forum and a few other forums and there was some owners experiencing similar problems this is when he thought it best to try and get authorization for a new short block. I told him that TWO out of all of these owners (I have actually found), one got a complete engine replacement for the cure and a short block was another cure for this ailment for another owner. I found a forum where one owner has had almost the same amount of parts changed with no hope******

So far the parts replaced are timing chain, guides, tensioner arms and oil tensioners, lifter/lash adjusters in both heads (twice on the right head), camshaft on the right, rocker arms on the right, new head on the right (reinstalled old valves and springs on new head), 4 new pistons and bearings (reused old connecting rods and wrist pins) and a new oil pump and don't forget the four new injectors on the right. Running 10w30 vs. 5w30 oil made the problem worse. Different oil filters made no change.

dang.......

... I'm happy I bought an old truck...
Best of luck h2o_man1. Hopefully if they get clearance for a new block that will solve the problem. "The dealership I have working on it is keeping an open ticket on it until the problem is fixed," you can at least be happy about that, I guess.
Keep us updated on what happens.

You have more patients and time than anyone I know. The 4.7 has some major issues. Even Jeeps as well as Rams and Daks have too many bad 4.7s with internal noises. My truck is being replaced because of this noise and other issues. The sad thing is the all go arounds and crap being pulled by the dealers that makes the experience even worse. It’s a roll of the dice on who gets a bad 4.7 and the odds are not good. The lash adjusters seem to be the main problem with the start up noise. Knowing that you would assume that Dodge will make hard and fast changes to correct this at the engine plant but that’s almost comical to say will happen. Good luck though with this and don't ever let them run you down in getting it right.

I'm sory to report the noise has not gone away. Seemed like it had, but no. Getting my ducks in a row for my next course of action.

Yep I hate to say it but I had a bad feeling that it wouldn’t be end to the situation. It just seems to be a serious problem and yet DCX won't admit the problem exists. There needs to be a government call back on the 4.7 clacking problems. Yes I have been a **** on the forums complaining about the Dak and my problems with mine but lets face it things just aren’t right in the Dodge camp and it is really dragging loyal owners down. If only DCX would only drop the crap and own up to the situation with the 4.7s and brakes, vibrations and leaks etc. Just come clean and help the very people who have supported them by purchasing their products. You are owed every consideration by DCX and your dealer. You have been another one who has been really patient and devoted more than enough personal time to the problem. However, I hate to say it but you may be in this for the long haul because they will try to side step and dance around in hopes to ware you out.

Can't be all that bad Gray you're getting another one,I guess some people like playing the victim.

Ya is it that bad. How many posts on reacurring problems do you need to realize this. Its way past just my truck. Read this and other forums. Its not a problem until its your problem.

It's a forum alot of people seek answers to problems,go check the Chevy and Ford truck forums you'll wonder how they make it out of the driveway.I heard a psychologist say about marriage if you have any major doubts don't get married because at the first sign of trouble you'll be going, damn I was right,A great attitude to start off with before you pick up the 07.

Some of the GM's Vortec engines had piston slap, they would sound like diesel engine on start up for a few minutes. Of course, GM didn't really own up to the problem. Evidently, they did release a TSB stating that using 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles on an engine with less than 36,000 miles was "normal." They did buy back some of the vehicles. Sounds loud on start up, not owning up to the problem... sound familiar? (Not saying its piston slap, nothing shows thats what it is)
Chrysler really just needs to drop the 4.7L and come out with something with more power (which the 4.7L needs more power) and no crappy problems.
I mean, all it takes is someone to read the Gen 3 forums. Engine noises on new engines (and replacing all kinds of parts doesn't help), brake problems that don't seem to be solved (replacing all kinds of parts sometimes doesn't hep), and smaller problems people have.
I'd be lying if I told you I'd recommend anyone to buy a Gen 3 Dakota, especially one with a 4.7L, until Dodge can find out whats wrong with these things and actually fix them.
Those who deny there are problems are living in a fairy-tale land, and I know I would be outraged if I spent my hard earned money on a troublesome truck. It's ridiculous actually. Engineers have a job to do, and these trucks should go thru a lot of road testing before their given the "ok" to be produced. There is no excuse for these problems. Period.

So you're saying me and other members that don't have engine problems are the exception not the rule,I have no problem with the power of my 4.7 of course I would like more just like the guys with Hemi Rams want more,I guess you think it's fine for Gray to hang around like the Grim Reaper at a ICU waiting for chance to whine about his Dakota expierence,thats healthy for this forum?then I guess it's just me,I'm very satisfied with my Dakota,I'm sorry Dodgerules that my truck doesn't measure up to your standards,when a Moderator says my truck is crap it must be gospel,thanks for opening my eyes,silly me I thought that Dodge Forums was for enthusiast,maybe changing this section name to Lame Ass Dakota will clear up some of the misunderstandings.

Was there some major change to the 4.7 from the Gen2's to the Gen3's? because I don't see anyone in the Gen2 forum with these engine issues unless they are someone with a high mileage engine and they are having normal breakdown of parts over time......mine makes no strange noises I start it up and I can heard the vacuum of the CAI and the rumble of the exhaust....sounds perfect to me.

I've stated previously my 02 Dak w/non-HO 4.7 was flawless from the day I drove it off the showroom floor brand new to the day I traded it in w/160,000 miles. I have not lost all faith in Dodge due to this engine noise I am having at startup, it just really puzzles me as to why it is happening.

ORIGINAL: ETXDak

So you're saying me and other members that don't have engine problems are the exception not the rule,I have no problem with the power of my 4.7 of course I would like more just like the guys with Hemi Rams want more,I guess you think it's fine for Gray to hang around like the Grim Reaper at a ICU waiting for chance to whine about his Dakota expierence,thats healthy for this forum?then I guess it's just me,I'm very satisfied with my Dakota,I'm sorry Dodgerules that my truck doesn't measure up to your standards,when a Moderator says my truck is crap it must be gospel,thanks for opening my eyes,silly me I thought that Dodge Forums was for enthusiast,maybe changing this section name to Lame Ass Dakota will clear up some of the misunderstandings.


Those who deny there are problems are living in a fairy-tale land
Does every engine have these problems? No. Why are only Gen 3 Dakotas, particularly the H.O. motors, more prone to these problems? Who knows.
At no point did I say that your Dakota was "crap."

Enthusiast does not mean brainwashed. I like Dodge, I wouldn't buy another brand, but along with that, I admit they do have problems. Their not perfect.
Maybe the next post I read where someones asking for advice on a problem I should just say, "no, you own a Dodge, their perfect, you actually don't have a problem."

I think what is unhealthy is for people to go on and on with having their trucks in the shop (all the while their still making payments on them) just to have part after part replaced, and the problem not go away. Oh yea, that will win over the hearts of people looking for info on the new Dakotas. :eek:

As far as the power portion I was talking about, I'm not talking about how some people say their 4.7L lacks the power to get up a hill. I'm talking about how a 4.0L V6 gets about the same HP (and closing in on TQ). Liter for liter, the 4.7L is not very powerful. Yes, its got a little more power than competitors V6's, but think about what your saying... a V6 vs. a V8.

Now, to close out on a positive note: the Dakota is the most capable mid-size truck out there (and has been for years). It's (by far) the best looking. And, in the event you let your g/f borrow it, 5 star frontal and side crash test ratings. And you can't go wrong with a hydroformed frame.

"I think what is unhealthy is for people to go on and on with having their trucks in the shop (all the while their still making payments on them) just to have part after part replaced, and the problem not go away. Oh yea, that will win over the hearts of people looking for info on the new Dakotas."


Why is it unhealthy to inform those FEW who are having a similar problem? I don't understand your logic. I've heard from those FEW that are having a similar problem and were very thankful of the info I have posted. All I can hope for is it might save at least one other person all the steps I've been through at this point to get it resolved. If someone is stupid enough to think that everything they read on some internet forum must be true for EVERY SINGLE product they are looking to buy then they need some serious help. I would have never bought my 02 if that were the case.

Glk21 my remarks are aimed at one person,Evolutions just had a buyback,he didn't jump on here at every chance he had and say what POS his truck is and carry on, obviously the powers that be believe it's fine for Gray to go on and on about his dissatisfaction with the Dakota and DC.Personally I can't see whats the point,after reading his replies in this thread,he's got a buyback and is getting a 07 Dakota,I can see it now,well if you bought two $32,000 POS you would be on here whining to,that sounds like a selfish and lame excuse and adds nothing to this forum,Glk you and Evoulutins shown more class about your problems,when you could be doing the samething Gray does,personally if I was dissatisfied with my truck as Gray appears to be, DC couldn't pay me to take another,I'm NOT saying you shouldn't talk about your problems with your Dak,I'm just saying Gray made his point along time ago,It's like dog crap attracts flies,there's subjects you know he can't resist on replying to,atleast the Moderators stopped his Toyota promotion.

got it

ORIGINAL: ETXDak
atleast the Moderators stopped his Toyota promotion.

Hey, hey now... I never said I'd buy a Toyota. Don't put such hypocrisy in my mouth ;) :D

ETX lets show some respect for the moderators. and theres no reason you and graythang need to be at each others throats, we are all more or less in the same boat. CALM DOWN. no need to aim comments at one person...your both good guys, it just seems like you two need separated sometimes. anyways, now that im done being mother hen, rattle those dodge people until they check out your truck for free. and dont give up when they send u on wild goose chases and as some one so plainly put it 'dance around' you

Hi guys,

just wondering if there are any 3.7's out there that have the same problem? They are technically identical just with two cylinders less. I also wanted to add my 2 cents regarding oil. Some motors can't handle synthetic oil well. While it is supposed to flow better and reach parts faster due to the flow characteristics it is tow thin for some motors or better oil pumps and instead of improving oil flow, you starving you engine at startup.

Dakota Chris;)

I have an 03 Ram with a 4.7 and I am having the same problem. My truck is at the dealer right now and you just described my situation. They are claiming it is normal, but we all agree it is not. I took the service guy out and he agreed it was pinging and then told Dodge that he could not replicate the "situation" . What ended up being the problem? / "situation" on yours? How do those hemi's run ?? Thank You for the help.

Well... finally got around to taking my Dakota in- now that it's warmer outside, the ticking is back.

The guy at the dealership says what's causing my noise is the purge solenoid;apparently they click pretty loudly sometimes.

Does this sound reasonable?

I have a '05 3.7 v6 going past two years now and have never had this "ticking" in either warm weather or cold. Does not sound like something normal to me. I don't buy this "purge solenoid" explanation. Is this something that is happening with the 4.7?

I will say this once again! It’s the valve lash adjusters on the right side. There are no lifters or push rods. It’s an overhead cam engine. Both the 4.7 & 3.7 are the same with two less cylinders. I have been through this mess for a year. It was much of what cost DCX a buyback of Gray I. They can't seem to correct the situation at all no mater what they do in the shop to the engines. It might be a milling problem or something not designedor built right from the get go. The 08s are said to have redesigned valve lash adjuster. Hummm. That may be their fix for this problem. By the way Gray I is still parked at the dealer in the back very lonely looking. It is said its going to auction. Make my dealer an offer for her. I bet they will let it go in the teens. 06 4.7 HO TRX4 loadedwith 15k in like new condition with a bunch of crap wrong with it.

I just read through thisthread. My '06 Dakota with the3.7L engine has the exact problem. I took it in to the dealership this morning for the second time. The first time it was in, I got the "It's normal"and"It's the purge solenoid" comments. This time, I told them that I didn't want to hear that any long, and I want itfixed. In addition, I told them that if it is the solenoid then replace it. With only 6500 miles on the odo. and dealer oil changes every three months, I shouldn't be hearing anything. I doubt this will get resolved, and I will probably end up buying a new or newer vehicle. After being a life long GM owner, I finally tried a different brand, and I am completely dissatisfied. Oh well, live and learn.

Well... this was a fun little read. I am actually kinda afraid to start my truck up... it has run fine for almost a year. Actually I am going to go past fine and say great. I havent had any major problems with it. (besides teh tranny filter TSB) I am fairly active on teh forum, and it seems like we will be all good for a couple weeks, then a new rush of problems show up, then leave again. I can understand why people would be pissed about stuff going "wrong" with their new trucks.(pardon my french, but its needed for effect) I get it... but do we as a community need to know how a dealer treats a customer? I feel that we as a forum can use the problem as information, the solution as information, and the rusults of the solution as information. I have been to crappy dealers... I have also been to good dealers. I have taken my brand new truck (my older chev) from a crappy local dealer who gave me the run around, to a good dealer who took care of the problem. Thats the great thing about a warranty, the place you buy from doesnt need to be the place that always fixes it. I always get a second opinion if they say its "normal" for my vehicle to be "broken"... thats just how I am. I suggest that every one do the same if its possible...

Well my truck just started doing this two mornings in a row now. I suppose I should remove my modifications before I go scream for warranty work. :D

They won’t be able to fix it. I have not read one success story on a repair for the start up chatter. Some guys in other forums had their engines torn apart several time with the noise gone for a shot time than its back. I has to be a design and build defect with no resolve. I guy I use to work with had a 04 Silverado V8 (don't know the size) and it would do the same thing and of course he was told by Chevy it is normal. It’s a role of the dice playing with your hard-earned money on what you receive after the deal. I waiting for my replacement Dak to start making the noise. It took about two months on the first Dak.

Well tomorrow will be "strike 3" then I'll be taking it in. I'll just demand a new motor, maybe offer to pay the difference for the HO. :DThe ticking doesn't bother me too much, neons have been doing it for hundreds of thousands of miles. But they'll throw some new parts at it, fresh new parts are ok with me. If they pull cams out, I'll have them put HO cams back in. :D

I'll bring the digicam out tomorrow and record it too, its the same noise as your's.

I can just barely hear it in my 4.7 HO. Hope it doent get louder over time.

Follow Up: I picked up my Dakota on Wednesday. Their "Lead Technician" listened to it. Of course, he didn't any noise. Then the Service Manager went out and they both listened to it. The response was that it isnormal. I got so mad I couldn't speak. Just asked for my truck back and left.I can't afford to lose anymore work over this lemon. I have had transmission problems, the base coat paint bubbled up under the clear coat on the hood and had to be repainted, the parking brake doesn't work properly, and of course I have the startup noise. So like I said in my original post, I'm shopping for a new or newer vehicle. I'm upside down on this thing, but I just don't want to pay for a POS any longer. If you guys on this forum keep yours, then I wish all the luck in the world.

I took the truck out and made a couple 1/4 passes and a top end run and I haven't had a noise since. :)