2000 Dodge Ram Knock/clunk when cold

ADAM_WORLEY06

MEMBER
2000 DODGE RAM
145,000 MILES

My 2000 dodge ram 5.2 is making a knocking noise when I first start it up in the morning. It'll only do it when it's cold outside. It is also dry starting. The clunking sounds like something is hitting my driver side valve cover. It'll do it for about the first 5 minutes after I start it up. I've noticed if I wait until the afternoon it won't do it. But when it's real cold in the morning it does it. It dry starts every time I start it up if its been sitting for more than 30 minutes. There's plenty of oil and its the correct weight. Puralator oil filter with anti drain back. New sending unit. Any other ideas? I'm thinking its a oil pump but don't wanna put one on unless I know that's it.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It can either be a bad lifter or piston slap. Have a local pro look at it. The lifter will sound like a loud tapping noise and the piston will as well but not quite as loud and lower in the engine. The piston slap is nothing to worry about and the lifter will need all of them replaced. It cold also be a bent pushrod, but I kind of doubt that as it would make noise all the time.