Even when the engine is hot, it still has a faint tick.
Now no one can tell me that a metal on metal noise is normal. With every tick, there is wear, and with wear comes failure. If this is normal, then its poor engineering at best.
I also didn't know these 3.7's had hydraulic lifters?
Here's a little blurb......
The 3.7 liter Dodge - Jeep V6 engineThe 3.7 liter PowerTech V-6 engine is, essentially, the 4.7 V-8 with two fewer cylinders. It is being used to replace the 2.5 liter four-cylinder, as well as the 3.9 liter V6 engine, both used only on Jeeps and trucks. Its first use was being the optional engine on the Jeep Liberty, followed quickly by use as the 2002 Dodge Ram's base engine. In both cases, the 3.7 V6 was mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic. It was later attached to a six-speed manual.
Producing 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, with 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm (that's 157 kW and 319 Nm), the 3.7 is more carlike in its power curve than past Jeep and Dodge Ram engines. However, revving for power is also the key to fuel efficiency not just for this engine, but for most new truck and SUV motors.
The 3.7 has a 90 degree V-6 design with cast iron block, compacted graphite bedplate and aluminum cylinder heads with single overhead cams on each bank. A centrally-mounted, gear-driven counter-rotating balance shaft, along with a split-pin crankshaft, reduces vibration.
Like the 4.7 on which it is based, the 3.7 features chain-driven overhead cams to provide long-term durability and reliability. A fabricated tubular camshaft with powder metal lobes helps reduce engine weight.
Unlike many new engines, the 3.7 has only two valves per cylinder - better for low-end torque, but not as good at higher rpms. Since the 3.7 will be in relatively heavy vehicles, that is probably a good design choice. A variable valve system would be even better.
The composite intake manifold has individually tuned runners for improved performance. Runners are shorter than on the 4.7-liter engine, to produce torque and power peaks at higher speeds. The three-piece shell molded plastic manifold provides individual tuned runners for each cylinder. Molded plastic construction provides more air flow than a cast aluminum manifold with the same dimensions because of its smooth inner walls. Lightweight aluminum pistons and precision forged, powder metal connecting rods reduce reciprocating weight, contributing to the engine's high rpm capability.
High air flow was achieved through hundreds of hours of computer simulation used to optimize every aspect of the air flow equation, from the air cleaner inlet to the tail pipe. Splayed valves and large uniform intake ports, made possible by using overhead camshafts, ensure that abundant air flow enters each cylinder in the same way.
Fast-burn combustion extracts more work from a given amount of fuel, increasing efficiency. Spark plug location near the center of the combustion chamber allows rapid combustion without potentially damaging knock. Rapid, complete combustion maximizes the amount of energy in a given amount of fuel that is transferred to the piston as useful work.
Molded, high temperature gaskets provide lifetime sealing of all structural joints. The drive overhead camshafts uses three chains with an intermediate shaft to provide the necessary speed reduction in a compact package and to ensure reliability. Direct mounting of the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor on the front cover of the engine provides accurate alignment to minimize belt wear and noise. An automatic tensioner for the single serpentine poly-vee belt makes adjustment unnecessary for the life of the belt.
The exhaust system of the 3.7-liter LEV includes two mini-catalytic converters, one for each cylinder bank in addition to a main under body converter.
3.7 liter Dodge / Jeep engines - production
The 3.7-liter engine is produced at Chrysler's Mack Avenue engine plant in Detroit, Michigan, next to the 4.7-liter engine plant.
Noise just about always means something wrong. It will be interesting to see what they will say next time.
