skip to REALITY if you don't wanna read the extra info

91 4.0 283,xxx 5spd
engine supposedly rebuilt at 200k
OME 3.5" w/ 32x11.5
axles and transmission swapped by 2nd previous owner, guy I bought it from had it sitting in front of his house for 8 months and didn't drive it(unsure why)

BACKROUND:
Ran great for 2 weeks, did an oil change and ran GUNK cleaner through the system. This jeep is my girlfriends so I have not driven it in the last week. The other night I drove us to the Mcd's and I noticed it was idling awful in the drive thru.

PLAN:
I was planning on doing a tune-up today to hopefully fix it. That plan went out the window yesterday when she tells me it's backfiring up the throttle body and running REALLY choppy but not quite lawn mower bad.

REALITY:
i did the tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, cleaned TB) this morning, and no change. Pulled the valve cover w/ hopes of finding something useful and I did. Cylinder #2 I believe to be exhaust valve(valve closer to the front of the vehicle) is loose as a goose! Assuming it's a collapsed lifter since I attempted to tighten the bolts and no change occurred.

SOLUTION:
option #1 rebuild the head(money's tight but I might be able to make it happen)
The minimum this will include will be
12 new lifters(not taking any chances)
12 new pushrods
12 valve seals(since i'm in there)

what i would like to do
performance cam/lifters
performance valve springs/new retainers

I only want performance mainly cuz I know it's stronger and will take more of a beating.

option #2 attempt to sell it

option #3 ??suggestions??

 

See "Option 1"

 

Junkyard.

 

I'd try changing the oil with something thick enough to keep the lifters pumped up.

 

Marvel Mystery Oil

Try it before you start spending money on parts.

 

i've currently got 6qt of mobil1 10w-30. Do I need to change it completely or can I get away w/ draining the amount that comes in the bottle of MMO? I just don't wanna mess it up if it is saveable.

 

Just drain off a pint.

 

also, is there any more damage that can be done by driving it this way?

 

Sure is! You'll hammer the bejeezus out of the lifter, pushrod, and rocker.

 

Thats just a band aid
Buy new lifters

 

Check the valve spring height before you change any parts.

 

How so? If 1 lifter is sticking and it can be freed without surgery, seems like a good fix. It's no different than using any other engine flush.

 

I agree with you FrankZ......even seafoam would work.

 

TONIGHT I TINKER! They sell MMO at walmart right? I don't know how late i have to work yet.

 

are you suggesting a broken/worn out valve spring?

valve spring or lifter will both require removal of the head.(done properly)