Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum but a long time lurker. I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L with AW4 automatic trnsimission and 231J transfer case. My parents were the original owners and I came into ownership around 5 years ago with about 240,000 miles on the odometer. Now I have about 300,000+ miles on the odometer and the trusty old Jeep began to develop a very audible ticking sound. It ticks on idle, acceleration and cruising. When the engine is at operating temp, it still ticks. Prior to this persistent ticking, the engine used to only tick under load and would usually disappear after the engine warmed up. Now it is persistent. I have been researching the heck out of it and it seems it could be one of 2 things: The infamous lifter tick or a cracked exhaust manifold. To my knowledge the exhaust manifold has never been replaced and the engine is all original.

I do not know how to differentiate between the different tick noises so I am looking to the Cherokee community for help. Please watch the below video. You will notice the tick is audible in the engine bay, underneath the vehicle and inside the cabin. Any insight would be immensely appreciated!

Thank you everyone in advance and have a wonderful day!

 

You need one of these, and need to read this.




https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ch...xplate-172081/