noticed it about a week ago and it hasn't gotten any better or worse. It's not as solid sounding as a knock but it seems to be more noticeable at higher rpms. that may just be because the engines quieter there though. My question is does this engine have solid or hydraulic lifters that could be causing this? How bout an injector being the culprit?

 

IDK, but BUMP!

 

Solid lifters. Could be a lift pump on its way out.

 

Run an overhead on it to rule out valve lash

10 intake and 20 exhaust

 

Well this sounds like some fun fun heading my way then. I'm guessing that's thousandths Whitmore?

 

Yeah.

This might help out:

B Series Valve Adjustment

 

just curious but what interval does cummins recommend the valves be adjusted? The truck only has 230k on it.

 

yer truck .......about every 30k

the 24 valvers every 100k

 

Also theres some good maintenance info here:

Ram Diesel Problems

 

Possibly lift the pump. My 97 has 103,000 miles on it and it ticks.
I talked to a guy in Norht Vernon In. that worked for Cummins at the 5.9 plant in Walesburo, In. (all he does now is tune and rebuild the 5.9) and he said that the link in the lift pump will click/tick when it gets some wear. So no big deal, unless the noise drives you nuts and fuel pressure is ok.