Well that's the best way I can describe it. When the engine of my 96 xj is winding down from a rev or decelerating the engine makes a Clacking rattle kind of noise. It will do it when accelerating but only when it wants to. I am still a noob in engine diagnosis and this is the first time I have had a vehicle with the famous I6 engine so I am trying to learn all I can. Is this just the pushrods?

 

Honestly nobody? all I want to know is if my engine is running properly or not and if i need to pull the valve cover or not.

 

Sounds like detonation. I'm not sure if it has a knock sensor, but if so that regulates timing in these situations and that's he first place I would go.

 

Knock sensors were Renix only from 87 to 90.

I believe you posted this on another forum? If you have an automatic trans, make sure your flexplate to torque converter bolts aren't loosening up on you.

 

Sounds like piston slap

 

How do I adjust for nocking? And what can I do if it is piston slap, my first impression was that it was knocking but my buddy said that the knock sensor would detect it, but now I know there's no sensor...

 

I vote for this.

My old 88 sounded like it had nasty rod knock until I tightened those 4 bolts (which were all finger tight).

 

Agree

 

Yeah, pull the inspection cover off and check torque converter bolts. If its not that, try putting some 92 or 93 octane in it to see if it still does it, if it does still do it, then you can rule out detonation.

 

So how do I check the bolts, as far as I know the only way to access the flex plate is to remove the engine and that's a big job. How long can I go with these bolts being loose before it's a problem. The tank only has 93 in it because I figured it would be better for the engine after it had been sitting for a few months.

 

Read the post before yours. He just told you.

It is like 3 or 4 bolts and they are right there. You will need to turn the engine to get to all 4 of the TC bolts.

 

Oh, my bad, I didn't make the connection. Oh that makes sense. I'll give it a try and see if that doesn't silence the noise.

 

I just went out to try and get a picture of my cover but it is in a spot that isn't gonna lend itself to cellphone photography.

In any event it really isn't hard to get off. IIRC you don't even have to take the starter out (but I don't remember for sure).

 

I finally got a chance to check the torque converter. The bolts were fine and tight. I took a really careful listen an i had somebody else listen with me. At this point it sounds allot more like rod knock but i really don't know. How can I fix rod knock? or how can in confirm it?

 

you got me reading...

http://www.supramania.com/forums/sho...gnosis-and-FAQ

this seems very informative