Hi All,

Slowly learning the ins and outs of a 1990 4.0 XJ. This guy recently started to make a clicking noise, proportional to RPMs, when started. It doesn't with every start and seems to quiet down a bit after a few miles, but it's got me wondering. Mrs Rasoplast says it seems a bit louder from the passenger side.

Here's an audio clip with the hood up (recorded with a cell phone when it was doing it pretty bad): http://snd.sc/Aoc5Rq

What do you think, sticky lifter or something else? Got a rec for what to do?

Cheers,
- Dave

 

It is either a lifter or loose torque converter bolts. You will have to chase down where it is coming from to tell.

 

I'll start searching and praying for the cheapest fix starting from,
1)torque converter bolts
2)exhaust manifold/gasket cracks
3)stuck lifters

GL.

 

Thanks for the recs! Seafoaming the oil for a day or so and then changing it managed to get rid of the noise. I also listened to the torque converter and it didn't seem to be the culprit, but I'll keep an ear on it in case it starts to get ideas.

Now to change the fuel filter for the nth time. Hey, it's one way to clean out the bottom of your tank.

 

If it ticks on start-up, shut it off and wait 30 seconds or so and restart. Tick very likely go away as the sticky lifter pumped up. I don't like drivng with the lifter clacking until it pumps up. FWIW, Marvel Myster Oil substituted for a quart of engine oil really helps free up lifters.

What brand of oil filter are you using BTW?

 

I'll give the Magic Marvel a try next time! I'm just using a standard FRAM (well, I'll spring for the one with the easy grip).

 

Ditch the Fram ASAP!!! Get a Wix 1626 oil filter on there.

Read this:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil.../opinions.html

 

Hey, thanks much for the link and the info! It looks like it is time to get rid of the Fram!

 

Good with Mobil One?

 

I think theirs are good. I just usually recommend wix and/or Napa Gold because they are readily available at most decent parts stores.

 

Thx cruiser...i meant good with MobilOne Synthetic Oil?
Also, would it be fine leaving it in there for 3000mile/3 mo?

 

Oh, I'm not getting into the oil debate!! I won't even post what I use.

At this point, I would just put the new filter on and ditch the Fram. Top of your crankcase with whatever oil you are using.