Not sounding good!

[JackSprat]

Ok guys, when I start up my PW, every now and then I here what I think are my valves tapping because there is no oil in the valve train!
I cant explain it any more than that. It seems to only happen every 15 to 20th start up (maybe even spaced further apart, like 30th or 40th start up). its only for a second (until oil is pushed thru).
Oil level is fine.
I only noticed it about a month or so ago (wonder how long it really has been going on as I usually start my truck from in the house to let it warm up before I go out to get into it) and it is so intermittent that I cant seem to find a pattern. It will happen on first start up and it will happen during start up after its been sitting for 20 minutes or more (after its been driven awhile). like I said, its intermittent. No rhythm to it other than the few times I've noticed it, it has sat for 20 minutes or more.
I seem to catch it when I use the keyless starter as Im walking up to it.
Any ideas?
I can say with some certainty that I don't believe its the Hemi tick as I know its not header related and I have had other Hemi's which have displayed that issue and this isn't the same sound. As i said Im pretty sure its in the valve train (highest point in the engine).
This has me concerned.
2012 PW
13,000 mi.
Changed oil 2 months ago (Fram filter/MobileOne full synthetic 5/20).

[cruz]

I'm not saying this is the answer to your problem, but these have been around for years ...
http://www.autoenginelube.com/howitworks.html
... maybe something to consider.

[TwinStick]

Try using factory filters. They are actually a pretty damn good unit.

I had the "Hemi tick" on my 04'. When i asked the dealer, this is what i got (not sure if it is BS or not):
Parts guy/old mechanic said it was because i use fram filters. I asked why. He took a new fram & a new Mopar off the shelf. (the fram was just for demo purposes-they did not sell them). He said hold the fram, feel it's weight. Then hold the Mopar & feel its weight. The Mopar was substantially heavier. He said to look inside. I saw a spring inside the Mopar but not in the fram. He said the spring keeps tension on the oil anti-drainback flapper so you dont have dry startups because the oil all drained back into the pan. Fram only had a thin piece of rubber like material. Mopar is NOT the only one to use the spring. Many high quality filters have this. Many (Royal Purple, Amsoil & others) have MUCH better filtering media than Fram BUT, there comes a point where it doesn't matter. Any filter that filters lower than 20-25 microns, begins to restrict oil flow & THAT is NEVER good. The absolute best set up is an engine pre-oiler system http://www.engineprelube.com/ in addition to a dual bypass filter set up http://www.smartsynthetics.com/products ... -amk02.htm .

Sometimes the "Hemi tick" is from broken header bolts. As the engine heats up, metal expands, allowing you to hear it better.

[JackSprat]

Thanks Cruze & TwinStick.
I just got back from the parts store with a new/different (Car Quest) filter & bottle of Lucas oil treatment (No dealer for 60mi & Im on call for the weekend).
I was kinda thinking maybe this is oil filter related as I only started hearing since oil change (but then again the weather has only gotten better this last month where I don't have to remote start to let her warm up before I go out and get in her) (Western Wyoming/7,000ft).
The flap vs spring thing makes sense (also cheaper to prove/disprove).
if I don't hear the sound again then I think its a fix and Ill steer away from Fram (been using them along time & cant ever think of having an issue), but never apposed to learning and changing for the better.
If it persists, than "Cruz's" suggestion of the "Auto Lube System" will be a serious option as I really don't want to fork out for a new Hemi probably @ a most inopportune time $$$$$$$$!
Thanks for the reply's and Ill post back on any developments!

[coder]

2012 with 13k isn't it still under warranty?

[JackSprat]

Yea, Its still under warranty.
If it persists and the filter change doesn't solve my issue I'll take it in.
Hopefully its not a pump issue and this is just a precursor to a really bad problem.
Time will tell, I'll keep the forum posted.

[Will]

When I got my truck (2010), I got a years worth of oil changes with it from the dealer. They, of course, used Mopar filters and whatever oil that they use. On occasion, as you have posted, I'd hear a chatter for not more than a second on start up but didn't worry about it since they have rollers nowadays and it's not as detrimental as dry valve trains used to be (flat tappets on the cam, no rollers on the rockers) When my dealer changes ran out and I changed it myself, I went with a Mopar filter and the Mobil One Extended Performance and have not heard it since. I've continued to use the same combination and change the oil when the truck says to (which is every 8,000 miles) and it's been quiet. I know you said you use Mobil 1 Synthetic, and my dealer previously used the Mopar filters so I'm not sure what the difference is, I thought it was Mopar oil leaving a better film for start up but now I'm wondering...

On the other hand, could it be the gas? I know before I got a tuner for mine, I had to run a good 89 or 93 octane. I could tell the difference if I got some bad gas and the valve train would let you know it. Try sticking to the same station and pump for a while if you don't already...