2000 cherokee sport runs warm and has a low end knock. my thoughts are replacing the radiator (looks like its on the frits). havent dug to much into the tranny cooler issue but i dont think i have one. and as far as the knocking goes its annoying but it doesnt seem to slow her down at all. she keeps on pumping. should i swap engines? thoughts or advice anyone?

 

when you say "low end knock", does it's speed seem to be directly related to engine rpm's? If so, kinda sounds like you got rod knock. If so, you're in for a new motor...

 

What motor and tranny, How many miles, how warm is it running, discribe knock. Normal running temp is 210 deg. The 4.0 I6 is nearly bullet proof, it is also very noisy. Have been known to 300,000 miles, while knocking. When was the last complete tune-up and fluids change?

 

its got 4.0 str8 6. it has 193k miles. it doesnt overheat it usually stays around 210 but ocassionally it runs slightly hotter than that. i think i might need a tranny cooler. the knocking follows the engine. it has done that since i blew my freeze plug. im sure its a rod knock but its not progressing to anything more than what it is. i changed the oil about three weeks ago and i think it is due for a tune up.

 

Tranny cooler is a good idea. Temp sounds normal to me. Hot days, uphills, traffic, crawling, start going to the 3/4 mark on the gadge, start worrying. Did the plug rot out or blow out? Do a complete flush or 2 on the cooling system before you change the Radiator, get as much crap out of the system as you can before you put the new 1 in. Get a 3 or 4 row radiator in you can.
If you can learn to live with the knock, go for it. My last Jeep had a knock that sounded like a deisel for 100,000 miles. Was still going strong at 225k when the insurance co totaled it, after getting rear-ended.

 

yeah thats funny to hear cause mine sounds like a diesel also. well im not out that much money i picked this jeep up for 1200 bucks. i flushed the system about a month ago. it was filthy, and the ribbing is starting to flake off in spots so ther is another indication to me. i am going to run her til she has no more than i putting a new engine in it i think. i love that truck.

 

u can try putting some heavier weight oil in. that might help quiet it down a little

 

do u think like 40w? or should i try synthetics/ royal purple?

 

I had the same thing happen to me. Key word had, and no new trans or motor. The knock i had sounded and acted like a rod knock. After looking at things and doing little tests here and there, i found that my torque converter bolts were looser than a wizard's sleeve. I tightened them up and no more so called "rod knock". When i found out i didn't have to buy a new motor or rebuild(which i would of, she's my baby) i was as excited as a pig in crap. If it works for you, you will be to. Pull the inspect plate and turn it over and put a wrench on the flex plate bolts. 17 mm if i remember correctly. Oh all this is if you a have a auto trans.

 

Maybe all is well , I have 230k on my 98, and it doesn't sound much diferent than my wifes 05 tj with 60k. I think all the 4.0 make some noise. Ride on!!