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1989 Dodge Ramcharger Odd Thumping Noise.

Tiny
RAMCHARGERRYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 DODGE RAMCHARGER
Noises problem
1989 Dodge Ramcharger V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 52k miles

I have an 89 Ramcharger with a 360 TBI with 52k miles and a rebuilt transmission. It makes a thumping noise and I have had trouble pin pointing the cause. I have 3 different people tell me 3 different things. 1. Piston Slap. 2. Cracked Flex Plate. 3. Exhaust Leak. I ruled out exhaust leak after having a muffler shop look at it. I dont think its piston slap because its a thump and not a tick. Sticky Lifter Arm maybe? Anyways its driving me nuts its been doing this ever since Ive had it (4 months). It doesnt hesitate or stutter or show any signs of lack of power.

One thing I did notice is after Ive gotten my truck warmed up and using the heater it gets significantly louder and faster. Broken heater core perhaps? It does blow heat though.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 5:27 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
HI there,

Thank you for the donation,

These cars are not my strong point but I hope we can shed some light on this problem, so first I would like to ask a few questions,

1 is this thump constant with engine speed, and if so do you feel it is crank speed or slower?

What difference if any with the transmission in park, compared to under load when driving?

A lifter will also tick, now is this thump a hollow sounding or solid sounding? I know thats a bit hard to define but with out actually hearing this I am on the back foot so to speak, let me know your thoughts on these questions.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
RAMCHARGERRYAN
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Thanks for your reply Mark!

In Neutral it is more prominent than in Park/Drive. Its more or less in synch with the engine. But it pauses every few seconds. From what I can tell the noise goes away with throttle. As for if it sounds hollow or not its very hard to say. The motor makes so much noise that you have to listen very carefully when its cold. With that being said its not over bearingly loud. Its quiet but progesses as the engine warms up. Im doin my best to answer the questions! I know how hard it is when you cant physically hear it for your self I must sound like a mad man! Lol
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
HI there,
Wow this is a bit of a poser. I will give it some thought over the next few days, I will be away for a few days contemplating my navel and now your problem. Lol
One test that you can do that may shed some light on this, I would hook up a mechanical oil pressure gauge and watch for any pressure spike or fall during the noise event. It may not show a thing but you never know, I would also try an old but tested method of noise location, a long thin metal probe against the engine and to the ear (a long thin screw driver) may help narrow down the location of the noise, check both banks, top bottom, you will be amazed at what you will hear.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
RAMCHARGERRYAN
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Im goin out to my uncles house tomorrow and hes got a full range of tools and shop. Not to mention hes mechanically inclined lol! He should help me narrow it down but please do let me know if any light bulbs come on! Im always open to suggestions! Ill give those tests a try and hopefully shed some light on the brain buster. Thanks a lot!
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 9:09 PM

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