What Is the Dodge HEMI Engine Tick?
If you’re a Dodge owner or muscle car enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the term “HEMI tick” floating around forums, YouTube videos, and mechanic discussions. The Dodge HEMI engine is known for its performance, power, and iconic design, but there’s a common issue that seems to follow it around—the infamous “HEMI tick.”
In this blog post, we’ll break down what the HEMI tick is, what causes it, whether it’s something to worry about, and what you can do about it if it happens to your vehicle.
What Is the HEMI Tick?
The “HEMI tick” refers to a ticking or tapping noise that some owners of Dodge vehicles with HEMI V8 engines report hearing, particularly during idle or at low RPMs. The sound can resemble a faint metal-on-metal clicking or the ticking of a typewriter. It’s most commonly heard in 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines, often in vehicles like the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, or RAM trucks.
To the average driver, this noise can be alarming—especially if your vehicle is relatively new or has low mileage. The sound may be consistent, or it may come and go depending on engine temperature or oil condition.
What Causes the HEMI Tick?
There isn’t a single definitive cause of the HEMI tick, but there are several theories and known issues that can lead to this noise:
- Lifters and Valve Train Issues
One of the most common culprits is faulty or prematurely worn-out lifters. These are components in the valve train system that help open and close valves at precise times. A lifter may make a ticking sound if it is sticking or malfunctioning. - Exhaust Manifold Bolts
A more benign (but still annoying) cause of ticking can be a broken exhaust manifold bolt. If a bolt snaps, the exhaust can escape slightly and create a ticking sound that mimics mechanical failure. This is actually a fairly common issue on RAM trucks and other HEMI-equipped vehicles. - Fuel Injector Noise
Some HEMI engine ticks are entirely normal and are simply the sound of high-pressure fuel injectors in action. These injectors can click loudly, especially at idle. This kind of tick is harmless and generally doesn’t indicate a problem. - Oil Issues
Using the wrong viscosity or low-quality oil can sometimes lead to ticking. HEMI engines are sensitive to lubrication, and poor oil flow can cause parts like lifters or camshafts to make noise. This is why keeping up with regular oil changes is crucial. - Camshaft and Lifter Failure (Severe Case)
In worst-case scenarios, the tick may be due to camshaft and lifter wear. Once the cam lobes or lifter rollers wear down, metal can start contacting metal, resulting in loud ticking and, eventually, engine damage.
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Should You Be Concerned?
The answer depends on what’s causing the tick. If it’s just fuel injectors making noise or an exhaust bolt issue, it’s more of an annoyance than a serious problem. However, if the ticking is persistent, loud, and accompanied by performance issues (like misfires, loss of power, or a check engine light), it could be a sign of internal engine wear.
A diagnostic by a qualified mechanic can help determine whether it’s something minor or a sign of looming engine damage.
How to Fix or Prevent the HEMI Tick
If you’re dealing with the HEMI tick, here are a few tips and options:
- Regular Maintenance: Stick to a strict oil change schedule using high-quality synthetic oil that meets manufacturer specifications.
- Use Mopar OEM Parts: Use original Mopar components when swapping out lifters, camshafts, or exhaust bolts to prevent compatibility or durability problems.
- Catch It Early: If you hear ticking, get it diagnosed quickly. The sooner you catch lifter or cam wear, the less costly the repair might be.
- Consider Additives (With Caution): Some owners have reported minor improvements using oil additives designed to reduce friction and noise. Use these only if they are known to be safe for your specific engine.
Final Thoughts
The Dodge HEMI tick is a well-known quirk of an otherwise legendary engine platform. While it’s not always a serious issue, it’s something owners should pay attention to. With proper maintenance, awareness, and early intervention, you can keep your HEMI engine running strong and ticking for the right reasons—not the wrong ones.