With such a detailed description, I am certain you will get the exact answer you are looking for.

Try checking the fluid levels. (oil comes to mind)

 

I have the same issue (2017) - noticeable tick about 9 -10 times on each start up sounds like a dry lifter to me but I have not had it looked at....and yes the Miller the oil level is full of 15-40...

 

Same thing with my 18 but doesn’t happen all the time. Seems to only do it when the truck is cold after sitting in the garage all night. 3-4 ticks. Almost seems like sensors.

 

More than likely this is "normal"

Engines dont have instantaneous oil pressure, and it has to be pumped up in the lifter valley if it has been sitting overnight.

My old worn out 5.3 has a clatter/tick until it reaches the end of the road, and its at 276k miles.

I dont think I would worry about it if it stops ticking quickly.

 

I believe the L5P has solid lifters.

 

You'all with the tick-tick on a cold start-up similar sound when you change the oil filter and its dry, are you by any chance running the WIX/NAPA gold oil filter.
I've had that same issue with 2 other vehicles using NAPA Gold, it was suggested to change the filters, I did the tick-tick disappeared.
Defective check valve in both not keeping the oil up in the system, letting it drain down, was apparently the problem.
Needless to say after this and WIX/NAPA's changing to the plastic fuel filter years ago, I won'ts use NAPA filters anymore on anything, not even on my lawnmower. :smile2:

Another ? what brand oil are you'all using, one comes to mind (Rotella) that many claim ticking (including me) until they change brands of oil.
This has been discussed many times over the years.

I'm pretty sure if this was normal for the newer Dmax's there would be more tick-tock complaining than what we have here.

 

Mine has done it since I bought it and it has ~700 miles on it now and still does it. I will be switching to mobile 1 full synthetic and amsoil filter at 2k miles. We will see if that fix it

 

Seems to be a common issue, I would do a UOA used oil analysis every other oil change. They will discover issues ahead of time. I have a 2005 VW TDI and the common issues with those are cam and followers wearing. So far, 190,000 miles and no issues. And I know my motor is healthy because o the UOA reports. I also use T6 and don’t extend oil changes. Never go past 5,000 miles

 

Just stumbled upon this, but my 19 has the same noise. I’ve been told that it’s the def injector.

 

Ive got a brand new 2019 3500HD thats doing this on startup. To me it sounds like an ignition and low voltage situation. Right after i roll the ignition to start it will do a click-click-click rapidly then engage the starter bendix, roll over, and start. Again, to me it sounds like a low voltage situation.

 

The dash volt gauge isn’t all that accurate, invest in this little digital cig lighter volt gauge $5 then you can see what the volts are when your starting the engine to see if that could be what’s happening.

 

I have a 2018 2500 with around 16,000 miles. It has always done this as well. Clicks loud about 3 times then stops. I am going to assume it is normal since so many others are having the same issue.