2019 Challenger RT Plus - Engine Tapping

Discussion in 'New Member Check-In' started by Dave McDowell, Sep 27, 2021.

  1. Dave McDowell

    Dave McDowell New Member

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    In 2019 my wife and I purchased a new 2019 Dodge Challenger RT Plus. It replaced the 2010 Challenger RT that we had also purchased new. Our intent was to use the new car like the older one - to put many highway miles on it touring the country. Then 2020 happened. We rarely drove the car last year. As a result, the car only has 6,000 miles on it now. We recently (in the past few months) noticed that when the car sits for four or five days there is a loud tapping noise from the engine when starting it up. It clears up in about ten seconds. (Yes, it has plenty of engine oil.) I've never had a "new" car do this. We recently took the car in for routine service and advised the Dealer about this issue. The service technician told us the tapping noise was because the engine oil settled in the pan and needed to move back up into the engine. At which point the tapping noise would stop. I'm calling BS on this. We have several cars and rotate between them. But, as retired people we don't drive that often unless we're taking a trip. What are your thoughts regarding this tapping issue? As a two year old car with very low miles should we consider buying an extended warranty? I would hate to have a car out of warranty with less than 20K on the odometer. Thanks for your thoughts.

    Dave
     
  2. Larry St Denis

    Larry St Denis Full Access Member

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    It sounds like the lifters are flattening out after sitting awhile, check to make sure the proper grade of a high quality oil is being used and a quality filter with an anti drain back valve. I always use Penzoil ultra platinum, full synthetic, and an 041 SRT filter in both my 6.4(0w40) and my 5.7(5w20). The 5.7 in my ram has 121000 miles on it and sometimes sits for months in the summer when I’m driving my challenger every day and it’s never made lifter clatter on start up. Likewise the challenger sometimes sits for long periods in the winter and again no noise.
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2021
  3. Dave McDowell

    Dave McDowell New Member

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    Thanks, Larry. The Dealership recently serviced the car including an oil and filter change. We'll keep an eye on it.
     
  4. Larry St Denis

    Larry St Denis Full Access Member

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    Unless you know what the dealer is using that may not be a good solution. Dealers typically use the correct grade but usually a bulk oil, not always the best choice for a performance engine. I just thought of something else you might want to check that is similar to what you described. The 5.7 is somewhat notorious for exhaust leaks at the manifold during warmups and also goes away relatively quickly, it’s a very similar noise to lifters and could easily be mistaken for that.
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2021
  5. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    As @Larry St Denis said ... If the tapping is going away after a few minutes ... then it's quite possibly loose (or broken) exhaust manifold bolts. Very common problem. Once the engine heats up, everything expands which tightens up what is loose and the tapping stops.

    The bad lifter / bad cam lobe noise is more random and sounds akin to ping pong balls bouncing around in the engine. It doesn't go away.
     
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  6. SRT-Tom

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

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    Since the tapping noise goes away after 10 seconds (and not minutes), I would agree with the dealer technician.

    If the valve or spring allows the oil to drain from the lifter, it will collapse. Upon start up, the lifter will take a few seconds to “pump up” and expand as the oil pressure builds in the engine. During this time, the valves may tap since there is clearance between the rocker arm and lifter.

    I use Mobil 1 0W-40 and an SRT oil filter. I have never had tapping with my 6.1 engine.

    SRT Oil Filter | Dodge Challenger Forum

    Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil | Dodge Challenger Forum
     
  7. Larry St Denis

    Larry St Denis Full Access Member

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    I believe his RT plus has a 5.7 which probably takes 5W20
     
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  8. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    Our 2020 R/T Plus Shaker will make a light tapping noise (but NOT loud) for those few seconds too if it sits for over a week. A whopping 3,300 miles on ours. We are like you, retired, and mostly highway miles when we drive. It's no big deal at all with us. The oil just needs to be circulated. Maybe we don't think about it or worry about it as our LS1 in the Trans Am sounds like a sewing machine when it sits for a long time. It also warms up, BUT after a few minutes, not seconds. Zero issues 77,000 miles and 20 years later. Some engines are simply known for noises.
    *** One other note: LOUD to you may not be LOUD to me. That's another factor. LOUD to me would mean a trip to the dealership.
    Enjoy your ride!!
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2021
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  9. DodgeCares

    DodgeCares Active Member

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    Hi Dave,
    We sincerely regret hearing of the trouble. Please know that our team would be more than happy to provide you with an additional layer of assistance if you do end up connecting with your dealer again. Feel free to follow up with us via private message if this would be of interest.

    Rob
    Dodge Cares
     
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  10. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    Yes! Use only 5W-20 in the 345ci/5.7L HEMI engine.

    I use Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic in the 5.7L in our 2017 Dodge Durango R/T ... though the Monthly Vehicle Health Report from Dodge/Uconnect shows that you just need to use a Synthetic Blend.

    And there's a much broader selection of approved and/or recommended oils for the 345ci/5.7L compared to the 392ci/6.4L engine. Even @SRT-Tom's favorite oil company recommends a few Mobil 1 products for the 345c/5.7L HEMI. ;) Just make sure you're using an oil that meets (or exceeds) the MS-6395.

    The "stock" Mopar 899 oil filter is very good ... and the SRT 041 oil filter that Tom mentions is even better. You can't go wrong with either.
     
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