Engine noise diagnosis
 

I took a video of a noise that I have not been able to locate. I've tried looking all over with a mechanic's stethoscope and have only found that it is loudest with the ears to the oil pan/front engine area. I removed the serp belt and ran it to check if it was any of the accessories and no change in sound.

It is a scratchy, perhaps grinding noise. I am suspecting it might be the timing chain? I have 315k kms (195k miles) on the clock.

I took this video tonight, engine was warm. Sorry for moving the camera all over the place. I also hear a light knock, might be the flexplate or piston slap. You can't really hear any of the knocking noise after it's warmed up by ear. Camera mic picks up more.

Fer lack of a better idea I might wonder if you nave something rubbing on your flex-plate, flywheel? You might check that your inspection plate is there, and if it is, maybe there could be something in there? Idk.

Flexplate is on the back of the engine. His noise is on the front of the engine with serpentine belt removed. I vote for harmonic balancer coming apart like this one, and rubbing the timing cover.

Hey cruiser thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention I had already checked for the balancer separating. I inspected with the engine off and also watched it run to make sure its spaced away from the timing chain cover.

I can't think what else the noise could be besides the timing chain rubbing its cover?

Rare, but it could be.

Any other thoughts as to what it could be, or for something to inspect?

Ever heard worn engine bearings sound like that? Good oil pressure, both at idle and driving rpms. It's definitely one of the loudest 4.0s I've heard when comparing it to other Jeeps.

Piston slap?

I also have that problem with my cherokee but to me it seems to be coming from the back of the engine/front of the transmission. Here it was it soudns like reving a little https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY3L...ature=youtu.be

I have done this and i still have the noise.:(