The Hemi tick is a ticking or tapping noise from a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram 5.7 Hemi V8. The causes owners and technicians report most often are an exhaust manifold leak, frequently from broken manifold bolts, and a failing valve lifter, which can go on to damage the camshaft. Some light ticking is also normal fuel injector noise, so a professional diagnosis is the only reliable way to know which one you are hearing.
Is some Hemi ticking normal?
Yes. The 5.7 Hemi uses port fuel injectors, and injectors click as they open and close. The evaporative emissions purge valve can also tick. These sounds are usually light, even and present on healthy engines. A new noise, a change in an existing noise, a check engine light or a misfire is a reason to have the engine inspected.
Common causes of the 5.7 Hemi tick
Exhaust manifold leak and broken manifold bolts
Broken exhaust manifold bolts are a widely reported issue on Hemi engines. When a bolt breaks, a small gap opens between the manifold and the cylinder head and exhaust pulses escape with each firing, which sounds like a tick. This type of leak is often loudest on a cold start and can quiet down as the manifold heats up and expands. It is often louder on one side of the engine, and there may be soot marks near the leak.
Lifter and camshaft wear
The 5.7 Hemi uses hydraulic roller lifters. A widely reported failure is a lifter roller that stops turning freely or wears, which then wears the matching camshaft lobe. A tick from this cause tends to stay present, or get worse, once the engine is warm, and it may come with misfire codes because the affected valve no longer opens fully. Engines equipped with MDS (Multi-Displacement System) use special deactivating lifters on the cylinders that shut down, and lifter problems are reported on engines both with and without MDS.
Low oil level or the wrong oil
Hydraulic lifters rely on oil pressure. A low oil level, overdue oil change or oil that does not match the viscosity in your owner’s manual can contribute to valvetrain noise. Checking the oil level is the simplest first step.
Other sources
A technician will also rule out things like a loose heat shield, a noisy pulley or belt tensioner, and a spark plug that is not properly seated.
Clues that help narrow it down
| What you notice | Often points toward |
|---|---|
| Loudest when cold, fades as the engine warms | Exhaust manifold leak |
| Steady tick that stays or grows when warm | Lifter or valvetrain issue |
| Tick plus a misfire code on one cylinder | Lifter or cam lobe wear, though ignition faults are also possible |
| Light, even clicking near the intake | Normal injector operation |
These are clues, not a diagnosis. A shop will typically use a mechanic’s stethoscope, scan for codes, inspect the manifolds and check oil condition. Confirming lifter or camshaft damage can require significant teardown, which is why a professional inspection is worth it before you spend money.
Risks of ignoring a Hemi tick
An exhaust leak usually gets louder over time and puts hot exhaust gas near surrounding parts. A failing lifter is more serious: as the roller and cam lobe wear, metal debris can circulate through the oil and damage other components. If the tick is getting worse, or the check engine light is flashing, stop driving and have the vehicle inspected.
Repair or replacement
Exhaust manifold bolt and gasket repairs are usually far less involved than engine work. A lifter and camshaft repair is a bigger job, and if metal debris has spread through the engine, some owners weigh a replacement engine against the cost of repair. Our guide to engine replacement cost explains the price difference between a short block, long block and complete engine.
If you do replace the engine, order the version that matches your vehicle’s original configuration. We list the 2005-2009 5.7 Hemi without MDS and the 2005-2009 5.7 Hemi with MDS as separate engines, alongside a 2010-2012 version.
See every option and fitment note on our 5.7 Hemi engines page.
Related guides: 5.7 Hemi specs · engine misfire · low oil pressure · Ram generations.
More guides: engine ticking noise · 5.7 Hemi problems · how long a 5.7 Hemi lasts · MDS vs non-MDS 5.7 Hemi.
Trouble codes: P0301 cylinder 1 misfire · P0304 cylinder 4 misfire · P0306 cylinder 6 misfire · P0307 cylinder 7 misfire · all OBD2 codes.
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