5.7 Hemi Lifter Failure Symptoms – Causes & Fixes

The 5.7 Hemi engine is a powerful and reliable choice for many vehicles. However, like any other engine, it may have issues that can affect its performance. One such common problem is lifter failure, which can have a range of symptoms and can be caused by several factors. Before you start fixing the issue, you should know which factor caused the problem. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of 5.7 Hemi lifter failure, the causes behind it, and what you can do to fix it.

How do I know if my 5.7 Hemi has lifter failure?

As we discussed earlier on, there are several symptoms that may indicate lifter failure in a 5.7 Hemi engine. These are:

  • Knocking or ticking noises coming from the engine
  • Reduced engine power or performance
  • Increased engine oil consumption
  • Excessive exhaust smoke
  • Can I drive my vehicle with a failed lifter?

It is generally not recommended to drive a vehicle with a failed lifter, as it can cause further damage to the engine. So, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should consider having your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What Causes 5.7 Hemi Lifter Failure?

There are several potential causes of lifter failure in a 5.7 Hemi engine. Some of the most common include:

1. Lack of Proper Maintenance

The most reported cause of the lifter failure in a 5.7 Hemi engine is a lack of proper maintenance. Many users don’t change the engine oil regularly, and there are many who use low-quality oil. In both cases, it may build up contaminants which can damage the lifters.

2. Overheating of the Engine

Overheating is another major threat for engines including the 5.7 Hemi engine. Sometimes the radiator or the thermostat doesn’t function properly. In that case, it overheats the engine which may be the reason behind lifter failure as well as other issues like warped cylinder heads.

3. Worn or Damaged Components

The camshaft and pushrods in a 5.7 Hemi engine can become worn over time or may be damaged due to other issues. This can also lead to lifter failure. So, you should check the camshaft and pushrods regularly and replace those when they are damaged.

hemi lifter failures
5.7 Hemi Lifter Failure

How to Prevent 5.7 Hemi Lifter Failure?

If you suspect that your 5.7 Hemi has lifter failure, the first step is to diagnose the issue. This may involve visual inspection and/or using diagnostic tools to pinpoint the causes. Once the cause has been identified, the appropriate repairs can be made. This may involve replacing worn or damaged components, as well as performing necessary maintenance tasks.

Diagnose the issue

When you suspect lifter failure in your 5.7 Hemi engine, the step you should follow is to diagnose the problem. First, you should do a visual inspection to identify the cause. For more accuracy, you can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause.

Identify the cause

Once the issue has been diagnosed, it is important to identify the cause of the lifter failure. This may be due to a lack of proper maintenance, overheating of the engine, or worn or damaged components.

Repairing

When you identified the causes of lifter failure, you can now go for the repair. Based on the cause of the lifter failure, the appropriate repairs may either be replacing worn or damaged components, such as the camshaft or pushrods or performing necessary maintenance tasks such as changing the oil. If the problem is complex, you should take help from the repair shop.

Test the engine

After the repair, before you take the road with the vehicle, ensure that you have tested it to check if the problem is properly resolved. This may involve driving the vehicle and listening for any unusual noises or checking the engine performance.

Follow maintenance guidelines

We all know that prevention is better than cure. That’s why, to prevent future lifter failure, it is important to follow proper maintenance guidelines for your 5.7 Hemi engine. This includes changing the oil regularly and using high-quality oil, as well as addressing any issues with the radiator or thermostat to prevent overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to repair a failed lifter in a 5.7 Hemi engine?

The cost to repair a failed lifter in a 5.7 Hemi engine can vary depending on the specific cause of the failure and the extent of the damage. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars for the repairs.

Final Words

Lifter failure in a 5.7 Hemi engine can have serious consequences. It may cause further engine damage and reduce the performance of your vehicle. However, it is possible to fix the issue and get your vehicle running smoothly again with proper diagnosis and repairs. Doing regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and using high-quality oil, can help prevent lifter failure and other issues with your engine.

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