So I’ve had my Xj for a couple months now and I used to just have an exhaust leak and now when starting up in the cold and at low rpm’s I hear a knocking sound. It sounds like it’s coming from around the starter area but I’m not sure what all it could be. Once I get passed like 2-3rd gear the sound goes away. It’s at low gear and low rpm’s it’s really bad. Sounds like I got a diesel

 

Check the flex plate bolts

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

 

I checked them and they are all intact and secured tightly. Any other suggestions? I would say it sounds more like a marching band then a consistent knock

 

you won,t be able to see the crack around the bolts, like I was told from the tranny shop , hit it with a small hammer and if it tings nice like a bell is OK. If it thuds then is cracked.