I'm mainly looking for second opinions here before I start taking things apart to clean them and throwing money around for new parts.

Before I post, here's the basics on my Jeep: 2000 model, 4.0L, AW4, 4x4 with the NP242 transfer case, 280,900 miles.

So first, I have a bit of a sputtering and stalling issue going on right now with my Jeep. Also, there are moments when the engine speed is around 1700 to 1900 RPM (traveling at speeds around 50 to 60 MPH) it feels like it may even be backfiring at little bit. It has completely shut down on me at speeds of 40 MPH but it will (freakishly) restart itself if you keep the throttle depressed. If it dies completely at any given moment, it will never fail to restart. I've noticed it's less inclined to take narcoleptic/epileptic fits on me when it has more than a 1/4 tank of gas (with 1/2 it seems to run fine). At first, I suspected the CPS was going out, but after playing around with how much gas I have in the tank at a given time, I'm just about certain the fuel pump and filter are basically shot. I haven't tested the fuel pressure at the rail yet, but considering the symptoms, it seems very likely.

Also, with my XJ running at idle and park, there is an audible "clacking" sound coming from either around the bellhousing of the transmission or somewhere in the motor. I'm inclined to believe that the flexplate bolts are backing out of the torque converter, or that the flexplate itself may be bad. I did let one guy at a transmission shop listen to the noise and he thought it was engine noise. However, when the engine is at idle speed with the transmission in drive (say if you're sitting at a traffic light), you can hear a sort of metallic "slapping" noise inside of the cab around the forward area of the center console. I should add that it isn't a very loud "clack" like a thrown rod (been there with an old Rocket 350 I had in an '84 Regal). I still think the flexplate bolts have backed out on this one.

Any opinions? I'm going to try and get a second opinion this week on the flexplate bolts. These are the last two major issues I have to sort out with this Jeep before I install a lit kit, finish cleaning it up, and get to work restoring and modifying it. Thanks.

 

Sounds to me, like the fuel pump for the fuel issue. Mine experienced very similar problems and a fuel pump fixed them. As for the clunk, id check your exhaust hangers. It might be hitting on your transfer case or crossmember.

 

Well, now I'm less inclined to believe it's the fuel pump. Tonight I filled the Jeep up to a half tank and it stalled out before I could leave the gas station parking lot.

The exhaust has been replaced, so that's out. I guess "slapping" wasn't the best way to describe the way it sounds inside the Jeep.

So, here are two videos of the noise my Jeep is making (outside of your typical lifter tick, of course). One is outside of the Jeep while the engine is idling, the other is inside the Jeep while sitting at a stop sign with the transmission in drive (I shift the Jeep to neutral to demonstrate the noise stops).






My money's still on the flexplate torque converter bolts. As for the stalling issue, could it be possible the relationship between the flexplate and CKS could be to blame for that and the sputtering problem?

 

Any other input on this?

 

Okay, so the stalling issue isn't the fuel tank and the "clack" isn't coming from loose flexplate bolts.

Could the noise be a sticking lifter? Slack in the timing chain?