Just bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 .It runs great bught it has a tick to the engine when I start it .After I run it in town or on freeway it stops.I think it might be a fuel injector any ideas?

Asked by Cnote100 Feb 23, 2013 at 05:11 AM about the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

6 Answers

Sounds more like something is not getting oil until you get it going. Start there, with the basics, simply check the oil and preferably change it. Since it's 'new' to you it may not have been changed in a long time. The valve lifters need lubrication and they might not be getting it. It has either a 3.9L V6 or the 5.2L V8 and both of those engines have hydraulic roller tappets

176,215

There used to be special oils to clean out and reduce noise from hydraulic lifters. I don't even know if they still exist today. They were called "top oils" and one was Marvel Mystery Oil". As David suggested, a fresh oil change might quiet it down. t's really nothing to be concerned about.

Hey I remember 'top oils' now that you mention it tenspeed, been a while since I heard that used though.

176,215

I wouldn't advise adding anything to the oil any more - at least not for long term service. No more STP motor honey because Andy Granatelli used it in his Indy turbine racers. Today's oils are delicate mixtures of additive packages and adding unknowns can screw up the soup. I took bearings and lubrication classes as part of my reactor training in the Navy. The basics are still valid but there have been a lot of improvements.

I couldn't agree more. Tenspeed you showed me something, when you mentioned "Bob the Oil Guy" I went there and read up, that guy is a very good lecturer and I learned a lot. I had never heard of him before you showed me. It's been many years since I have actually put hands on an aircraft but what I retain from then and now is way different, we had synthetics but not like today's.

176,215

It a pleasure to share sites like Bob's. I found out about him from forum warnings about Fram oil filters. Fram uses a cardboard inner piece that some have determined to be inferior. Once you find that site, natural curiosity kicks in and you're clicking on subject after subject. -- I found an electronic device that is supposed to check the health of your oil. Put a couple drops on a sensor and wait for results. I would wait until it's proven before I would buy it. http://lubricheck.com/home/product

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 86 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $5,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,910
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
286 Great Deals out of 14,098 listings starting at $3,888
Used GMC Sierra 1500
157 Great Deals out of 8,201 listings starting at $5,500
Used Dodge RAM 2500
3 Great Deals out of 31 listings starting at $7,900
Used Toyota Tacoma
39 Great Deals out of 882 listings starting at $9,975
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
118 Great Deals out of 3,828 listings starting at $3,922
Used Ford Mustang
43 Great Deals out of 1,636 listings starting at $5,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.