Engine tapping on a cold morning?

Discussion in 'Challenger Mechanical Problems Forum | TSB's' started by ONE L COOL J, Jan 20, 2020.

  1. ONE L COOL J

    ONE L COOL J Well-Known Member

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    Hey everyone,


    In the past 3 months, there have been a couple times when I would start my car in the morning and get this weird engine tapping noise for around 5 minutes.





    I noticed some things that could/may be triggering this


    - When car isn't driven in a few days

    - During cold/winter weather

    - When parked on my driveway (up hill)





    I know most people will probably point to rocker arms. Just wanted to see if anyone could determine if this was the case from the video.


    I am trying to schedule a diagnosis with my tech, but it rarely happens, and when it does, it only happens for 5min or less then immediately stops. It's not even gradual, it just goes away instantly (just like in the video)


    Anyone know how many labor hours I'm looking at to inspect rocker arms & cam shaft for damage?


    Any tips greatly appreciated!
     
  2. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    Sounds like rockers to me. It sounds louder on the drivers side. I had a 57 Olds that would do that after sitting for a while which was due to that lack of oil in the drive train. As it warmed up and oil got up to the top end things would slowly quiet down. Because yours stops so sudden is odd, almost like somethings lose.....I’m no expert but would say it should be looked at soon.
    If you purchased a mechanics stethoscope you could narrow down where the sound is coming from.
     
  3. KEVIN DONOVAN

    KEVIN DONOVAN Full Access Member

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    What oil and filter are you using?
     
  4. TRCM

    TRCM Full Access Member

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    Could be a lifter that leaks down, and then suddenly fills.....
     
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  5. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    What type and weight oil are you using? How many miles on your car?

    Most likely, the tapping noise is caused by the oil settling to the bottom of engine. Colder weather causes it to thicken,and it takes a minute to circulate back up to the rest of the engine. Since the noise goes away after a minute or two, it is probably not a lifter or cam issue.

    Another thing to check for is an exhaust manifold leak. Inspect the exhaust manifolds for leaking gaskets or cracks. Black soot marks where the manifold mates to the cylinder head are key indicators of an exhaust manifold gasket leak. Inspect for broken exhaust manifold bolts. Inspect the gasket area where the manifold bolts to the exhaust pipe. Small exhaust leaks can often self seal once the metal engine parts are heated and expanded.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
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  6. TRCM

    TRCM Full Access Member

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    Agree, but that engine was running more than long enough for oil to be everywhere it should be.........I stand by the sticky lifter.....been there done that, and it sounds just like it.
     
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  7. ONE L COOL J

    ONE L COOL J Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I thought it sounded a little louder from driver side. Underneath driver side valve cover?

    Having my tech look at it in a week or two!
     
  8. ONE L COOL J

    ONE L COOL J Well-Known Member

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    Mobil 1 10w30 full synthetic, trying to remember what filter though...
     
  9. ONE L COOL J

    ONE L COOL J Well-Known Member

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    125k miles
     
  10. ONE L COOL J

    ONE L COOL J Well-Known Member

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    Thank you all for all the great info!

    Especially on the sticky lifter & exhaust manifold leaks! Going to look into these two before rocker arms