b.lee

Ticking noise coming from the truck (in sig), only when idling.
Sounds like an exhaust leak but seems to go away when the throttle is pressed. I know the muffler is loose, but im planning on removing it asap anyways. I dont think that is the ticking, its further up towards the engine.

I know I just read something about the 'plunger' timing?
and how it makes a ticking noise if not properly adjusted?

I'm obviously new to cummins and diesel in general, but everyone starts somewhere. I've also been seaching alot.

DL1221

Is the ticking noise really clear when you stand between the cab and the bed? That's where mine was on my 96. It sounds like an exhaust leak, but if you try to find it, you can never seem to pin it down. The lift pump on these 12-valve motors makes a ticking sound when it starts to go bad. I didn't believe it either when others told me, then I replaced the lift pump, and amazingly the ticking went away.

You should replace the Overflow valve too, its probably bad as well. The pump is about $130-180, and the valve is about $35-60. If you really want to make sure, you need to install a fuel pressure gauge. Do a search and you'll find much info here. Good luck.

clutch1

Mine would start to do the ticking noise when i'm in need of a new filter, not saying its the prob. in every case but in mine it was, fuel trying to go through a restriction like DL1221 stated check the overflow.. If you've noticed when you change the filter and go to prime the system with the manual push button on the lift pump you get that whine when full, almost the same thing.

stock03

I have an exhaust leak on the down pipe right after the turbo. But there's black soot (spelled right?) where it connects.

So if your exhuast pipes are clean, then it shouldn't be a leak.

b.lee

Where exactly is the lift pump located?
and where on the pump is the overflow valve?
Isn't it right up front on the front of the pump, close to the serpintine belt?

If I had someone that could point all this stuff out to me,
It'd be alot easier. I seen a pic of the engine and all main parts listed, but it didn't show the LP or overflow valve.

rharveysr

Lift pump is to the right and below the fuel filter..

Mine is doing the ticking thing now and is driving me up a tree! Pull up to a stop sign and you can hear it ....dont like that.

Rick

jstrdiesel

i had a ticking noise one time, and found out is was a loose valve. bent my #5 intake pushrod. it was really loud at idle, but after that, you couldn't hear it.

b.lee

I have the prime-loc crap so my fuel filter is moved.
and i've never ever been under the hood of one until earlier this week.
I still have never changed the fuel filter, or even tried.

My ticking noise is coming from the drivers side of the motor under the truck.

DL1221

Yup it could still be something else, but it sure sounds like the lift pump. The lift pump on these trucks is a pain the "buttocks" to replace, a few tips: remove the starter for easier access, replace the two bolts with studs, do a search on this forum on lift pump replacement, there is a lot of good info here. On the positive side, replacing the overflow valve is 5-minute, one wrench job, in your Sunday clothes.

This site has a lot of stuff on Dodge diesel trucks, you can spend hours here:

http://dodgeram.org/

Here is some overflow valve stuff, with pics, click to enlarge:

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/trouble...ector_pump.htm

Here is some general fuel system diagnostic information:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/14-07-96.htm

b.lee

alright, im getting a little more used to being under the hood.
thanks for the links...

Anyways, I just changed my fuel filter and pre-screen, and the ticking noise stopped for a while.... When it was idling in the driveway.

Then I went for a short test ride and came back and the ticking was back while idling in the driveway.

is it the LP?
or should I test my fuel pressure first?
get a new overflow valve?

thanks.

DL1221

If you want to do it the right way, install the fuel pressure gauge first. You can do with a temporary gauge set up under the hood, but if you do a permanent gauge in the cab, you can monitor the fuel pressure as you drive. You'll have to tap the banjo bolt on the injector pump inlet, search this forum you'll find exact instructions on how to do all this.

Once you have the gauge, then you can check the condition of the overflow valve and fuel pump (see the last link in the post above for directions).

However, if the ticking is really clear when you stand between the cab and bed, then I'd bet a paycheck that your lift pump is starting to go bad. That's exactly what mine was doing. So you can just say the heck with the gauge and just replace the overflow valve and lift pump. Infidel has a source (Marty Thomkins, I believe) that has a good price on both, valve for about $35 and pump for about $120, I believe. Don't forget the two gaskets for the pump, and the small rubber hose between the fuel pump and pre-filter. Again, do a search for fuel pump replacement. On these 12-valves, it is a Royal pain in the rear to replace, but once you get it done, you'll be set, and no more tick, plus you'll have the piece of mind of having a new lift pump.