The 5.7L HEMI Lifter Problems Causes and Solutions. Since its introduction in 2003, the Gen III HEMI engine series has been a fan favorite. Obviously, the HEMI has a long history that goes back much further. The HEMI is a Chrysler design that has been in production since the end of World War II. HEMIs operate slightly differently than most conventional internal combustion engines. Unlike a conventional engine, which has cylindrical combustion chambers, a HEMI has hemispherical combustion chambers with dome-shaped cylinders. There are various advantages and disadvantages to this design, however Chrysler has been the dominant manufacturer of this sort of engine.
Chrysler has currently produced three generations of the HEMI engine. The first generation was produced between 1951 and 1958, the second generation between 1964 and 1971, and the third generation between 2003 and the present. The 5.7 HEMI is undoubtedly the most popular and most produced engine in the third-generation engine family. It has appeared in several Ram, Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler models. While it is a beloved engine, it does have a few noticeable flaws. 5.7 HEMI Lifter issues are widespread on the engine and a major source of anxiety for owners.
In this article, we will look closely at Chrysler 5.7L HEMI lifter issues, their severity, and some potential solutions. See our 5.7L HEMI Common Problems Guide for additional information.
Lifter Tick vs. HEMI Exhaust Manifold Rattle
Before we go into the specifics of actual HEMI lifter faults and their causes, let’s clear up a common source of misunderstanding: ticking sounds from the 5.7L HEMI engine. Unfortunately, a few other typical 345 HEMI problems can generate a similar, but not identical, ticking sound. 5.7L HEMI owners will frequently notice a ticking sound and quickly blame it to lifter problems. However, another regular 345 HEMI problem, damaged exhaust manifold bolts, can also generate a ticking sound.
While lifter problems are common on the 5.7L HEMI, broken exhaust manifold nuts are without a doubt the most common issue on the 345 V8. This problem is caused by the HEMI exhaust manifold’s design. It’s a problem because the manifold is so near to the engine’s hottest component. Because HEMIs are designed to run hot, this puts additional strain on the manifold bolts. They inevitably fail over time. When these bolts snap, the exhaust manifold begins to rattle. This leads them to collide with nearby components, resulting in a ticking or clanging noise. This is frequently confused with a lifter tick.
The primary distinction between the two problems is when the sound occurs. When it comes to broken exhaust manifold bolts, the ticking sound is most noticeable and noticeable on startup. When the engine warms up, the sound usually goes away. The opposite is true with lifter tick, which normally becomes more noticeable as the engine heats up. Because snapped exhaust manifold bolts are the most prevalent issue, it’s a good idea to check them first before presuming the problem is with the lifter.
Is the 5.7L HEMI Lifter Tick a Serious Problem?
If left alone, 5.7L HEMI lifter tick can become a very significant and costly problem. If the HEMI tick is not addressed in a timely manner, the lifters can accumulate so much play that they no longer glide over the cam lobes as they should. Instead, the lifter’s movement can cause the lifter’s ears to dig into the camshaft lobes. This grinds them down and alters the profile of the cam lobes. If left for an extended period of time, the lifters will completely damage the cam lobes. This can result in misfires and other performance issues.
Finally, if you let the 345 HEMI lifter tick for too long, it might destroy several engine components. Because of the nature of the HEMI engine, this can be a very expensive problem to correct. To replace HEMI lifter components, the cylinder heads must first be removed, which can be time-consuming. Furthermore, if your camshaft is damaged due to a lifter issue, you will need to remove the timing cover, timing belt, and replace the camshaft totally.
What Causes Lifter Tick Issues in 345 HEMIs?
The exact reason of the 5.7L HEMI lifter issue is being debated among the Chrysler community. While some believe that it is the result of a design flaw in the multi-displacement system and its accompanying lifters, others claim that it is not the result of a design flaw at all. The most prevalent cause of the 345 HEMI tick is a lack of lifter lubricant.
The 5.7L HEMI lifters, like everything else in the engine bay, rely on oil lubrication to prevent excessive friction and wear. Damage to both components can occur if the lifters are not provided with effective oil to lubricate the contact point with the camshaft. There could be several reasons why the lifters are not appropriately greased. Because the 345 HEMI lifters are virtually horizontally inclined, oil has a more difficult time reaching the needle bearings in the rollers themselves. If the engine has inadequate oil owing to an oil leak or oil loss, there may not be enough oil to lubricate the lifters.
Chrysler has handled the HEMI tick issue directly, resulting in varying levels of popular approval. They claim that the problem is primarily caused by oil degrading over time and losing its lubricating capabilities. This is especially typical with HEMI-powered police cars or fleet vehicles that sit idle for long periods of time. If you receive oil changes based on elapsed miles but keep your car idling for a lengthy period of time, the oil continues to break down despite the fact that you are not adding extra miles to the engine.
How to Avoid 5.7L HEMI Lifter Issues
While there are no foolproof remedies to the 5.7L HEMI lifter tick problem, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of having problems. Changing your oil on a more frequent basis is one of the most obvious, but most impactful, things you can do to prevent 345 HEMI lifter tick. If you replace your oil based on mileage, it could be a better idea to change it based on engine hours. This accounts for idle time, which causes oil to degrade. Changing your HEMI’s oil on a regular basis will help to mitigate the negative impacts of oil deterioration. In the long run, this may be enough to keep lifter troubles at bay.
Similarly, it is critical to check the oil levels in your 345 HEMI on a regular basis. It is always critical to understand if your engine is leaking oil due to a leak. The only way to know for sure is to check your oil frequently. Some people suggest inspecting it every third time you fill up, which is a reasonable timeline. It is also critical to use the proper oil while performing an oil change. Oil weights other than those recommended by the manufacturer can cause extra lubrication issues. Chrysler recommends a 5W-30 synthetic blend for the 5.7L HEMI. It is best to follow their guideline for the greatest results.
What is the cost of replacing 345 HEMI Lifters?
One of the most significant and commonly asked questions concerning this issue is, of course, how much it will cost to fix. Finally, the cost of repairing damaged 5.7 HEMI lifters is determined by the extent of internal damage. The cost is also determined by the number of lifters affected by the issue. If you have been driving with malfunctioning lifters for an extended amount of time, your 345 HEMI’s camshaft is likely to have been damaged as well, resulting in a larger repair cost. Because the 5.7 V8 has 16 individual lifters, the number of impacted lifters might vary greatly.
Replacing all of your 345 HEMI lifters at the dealer can cost approximately $3,000 in labor. If the camshaft is damaged, an extra $1,500 will be added to the total. The work required to replace them accounts for the majority of the associated costs. Because the heads must be removed to replace the lifters, the job requires a large number of billable hours. The cost of a 5.7L HEMI lifter replacement can be cut in half if you are comfortable with a set of tools. Obviously, it is a very detailed process that necessitates considerable engine understanding and ability.
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Summary of 345 HEMI Lifter Issues
While the 5.7L HEMI is a terrific engine for a variety of reasons, one of Chrysler’s most popular engines has several significant flaws. Significant lifter tick issues are among the most serious. Before you begin any repairs, make sure the problem is caused by the lifter. 345 HEMIs have also been known to snap exhaust manifold bolts, which can produce a sound similar to lifter tick. If the ticking noise is only noticeable at startup, it is most likely caused by damaged exhaust manifold bolts. The 5.7L HEMI lifter tick is only noticeable when the engine is warm.
It is critical that you do not drive too far or for too long with the HEMI lifter ticked. The longer you drive with damaged lifters, the more likely it is that more damage will be done. If you identify the problem early enough, you may simply need to replace the lifters. If the lifters have scored the camshaft lobes, the cam must be replaced as well.
Poor lifter lubrication is the most common reason of 5.7L HEMI lifter tick. While there is essentially a design defect with the almost horizontal lifters, issues are frequently caused by old or non-lubricious oil. This can be avoided by checking for oil leaks, changing your oil on a regular basis, and using the recommended 5W-30 synthetic oil. Repairs for 5.7L HEMI lifter tick can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage and if you plan to do the work yourself or take it to a repair center.
