Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Clicking Noise from Distributor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-19-2009, 09:56 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
thaclav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default Clicking Noise from Distributor

I was working on the Jeep today and I noticed that the distributor is making a clicking noise. I'm wondering what it could be caused by and if it could be causing the Jeep to run rough. I took off the cap and inspected it and the rotor for any signs of a problem and couldn't find anything. Thanks for the help.
Old 05-19-2009, 10:18 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
mike37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Paso Robles Ca
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by thaclav
I was working on the Jeep today and I noticed that the distributor is making a clicking noise. I'm wondering what it could be caused by and if it could be causing the Jeep to run rough. I took off the cap and inspected it and the rotor for any signs of a problem and couldn't find anything. Thanks for the help.
the bushing could be going bad
or the drive gear my be worn out and making the shaft bounce
Old 05-20-2009, 12:12 AM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
thaclav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Thanks. The main thing I'm wondering is could it be causing the engine to run rough? The noise doesn't bug me but the thing doesn't run like it should. And if it could be causing issues, how hard is it to replace?
Old 05-20-2009, 01:51 AM
  #4  
CF Veteran
 
ol"blue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tenn. and Mich.
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Default

Look at the Distributor cap and wires in the dark. The clicking sound could be the spark arcing from one terminal to another and you'll see it clearly in the dark. That would explain the rough running also. JMO
Old 05-20-2009, 12:02 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
mike37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Paso Robles Ca
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by ol"blue
Look at the Distributor cap and wires in the dark. The clicking sound could be the spark arcing from one terminal to another and you'll see it clearly in the dark. That would explain the rough running also. JMO
x2
Old 05-20-2009, 08:56 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
thaclav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I think I found the culprit. The shaft that the rotor sits on has a hell of a lot of play in it (probably about 4mm). I put the cap back on and the thing ran normal again for a little while, but then started acting up again. I'll check to see if i can see any acring when it gets dark out but I think the distributor needs to be replaced. How hard of a job is that to do?
Old 05-20-2009, 10:19 PM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
mike37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Paso Robles Ca
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by thaclav
I think I found the culprit. The shaft that the rotor sits on has a hell of a lot of play in it (probably about 4mm). I put the cap back on and the thing ran normal again for a little while, but then started acting up again. I'll check to see if i can see any acring when it gets dark out but I think the distributor needs to be replaced. How hard of a job is that to do?
is the slack side to side that would be bad and could defiantly be your problem

if you can rotate the rotor a little cus this is normal

you can get a rebuilt one to swap in it can be a Little difficult
depending on your skills
Old 05-20-2009, 10:30 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
thaclav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

It's side to side. I found a remanufactured one online for $55. I'm new to working on cars but I'm mechanically inclined so I'll try to do it myself. Are there any good writeups on this anywhere or would it be in a repair manual?
Old 05-20-2009, 10:34 PM
  #9  
CF Veteran
 
mike37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Paso Robles Ca
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by thaclav
It's side to side. I found a remanufactured one online for $55. I'm new to working on cars but I'm mechanically inclined so I'll try to do it myself. Are there any good writeups on this anywhere or would it be in a repair manual?
there should be a writeup somewhere but I cant find it now maybe someone else will post
Old 05-20-2009, 10:40 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
 
ol"blue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tenn. and Mich.
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Default

I don't have info on a '96. '95 &'97 yes, but no '95, are they the same?
Old 05-20-2009, 11:02 PM
  #11  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
thaclav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by ol"blue
I don't have info on a '96. '95 &'97 yes, but no '95, are they the same?
I'm pretty sure that the 96 and 97 are the same.
Old 05-20-2009, 11:17 PM
  #12  
CF Veteran
 
ol"blue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tenn. and Mich.
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Default

Then I'll send you some info in a Private Message that I hope will help you.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
riparianbarbarian
Introductions
3
10-23-2015 03:57 PM
pantallica20@aol.com
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
4
10-01-2015 02:58 PM
BluJay
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
09-26-2015 10:38 PM
Erin23
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
09-17-2015 05:01 AM
byrns149
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
09-11-2015 10:25 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Clicking Noise from Distributor



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:11 PM.