Lately at cold startup, I get a ticking sound from the motor that directly relates to the exhaust sound. When the ticking goes away (after about 15-30 seconds), the exhaust note goes to what I consider normal (after 6.5 years with this truck, I know what it should sound like!!). So, sticky lifter? Hydraulic lifter going bad?

WF- I've got a 93 5.2 mag in my Jeep- 65k when I got it from the Junkyard- does the same thing, especially when I tease the rev limiter, going straight uphill, lay it on it's side etc. it always seems to clear up, sometimes faster than others. you can try a good cleaning agent in the oil, I run synthetic in mine (because I know it has no oil pressure when I'm driving with two wheels and the top of the rollcage). Yeah- they're hydraulic.

Foul not that your truck is a Saab however they do the same thing when cold. They say that spec is that it can make that noise for 15 min after start up. SO I guess if it goes away it is ok. I notice it does get worse when the oil is getting dirty. So that is a key to change it. I think that the lifters just loose preasure sitting over night and just need to get pumped back up. At least that is what the Saab guys say. Of course I do not own one of them any more

Jon

The sound you may be hearing could be a heat riser on the ext. i cant remember if they used them on that year.

Foul,
What you are probably hearing is a hydraulic lifter that has leaked down overnight. In the morning it takes a few seconds for it to pump back up and take the play out of the valvetrain. The colder the temp the longer it will take because the oil is thicker and takes longer to reach the lifter. Try using a lighter weight oil during the winter like maybe 5w-30.

Its a common problem with higher milage engines with hydraulic lifters. My '93 Chevy 350 does the same thing in the winter with Castrol 20w-50. Changed to 10w-30 and it went away.

Ron

WF: If the odd exhaust sound is a misfire that goes away along with the ticking noise after a few seconds, then congradulations on a good diagnosis. Replace 16 lifters.

Mike, you want to go to Chevy Vettefest with me the end of this month? I need to return some parts and pick up some bearings and gaskets. I think I can get free tickets.

Thanks guys for the responses. Got the oil changed yesterday. Didn't do it this morning (I was over due for an oil change by about 1000 miles, about 4000 miles on the old oil). I fugured it was just a leak down condition on a lifter or two. Had this issue with my boat a while back. Cleared up with new, synthetic oil.

Cranky, I'm game. Especially if it's free!!!

Waterfoul, A buddy of Mine is a dodge tech. I have always owned dodge trucks. the last 2 were a 89 ramcharger 360 engine, and now a 99 Durango 360 engine. Everyone I've ever known, has that 15 second cold start tick.
Nothing to worry about.

if you get a lifter tick that wont stop try adding quart of tranny fluid drive for a day and drain, it worked in my jeep. supposedly trans fluid has detergent that helps dislodge sludge/dirt. i know this has its pros and cons. but if the ticking stops it aint broke no more