MTjeepin

Well i am a new member, but I have been a Jeep freak ever since i first saw one. I am having a problem that I can't figure out. I have a 97 cherokee sport with the 4.0 with automatic trans. I have a ticking/clicking noise that is rpm sensitive. It sounds like it is by the firewall but who knows where the actual source is. I have recently put in a new motor,starter,flexplate and torque converter. I took a stethescope and i can't figure where the sound is.I know it is not a lifter, i opened the oil cap and it sounds beautiful inside. It won't tick if i rev in parkor neutral. Even before all that work i have done on it, I had the ticking noise. All the bolts are tightened to spec, all the right parts, (i always compare). Also lets say that im cruisin on the highway at a steady speed or let off the gas a little the ticking goes away. I have also checked the intake and exhaust manifolds for cracks,warpage or loose bolts. Has anyone had the same problem? Any info would really help me out. All U-joints are in great shape. Thanks for your help in advance!

bigjustice91

Catalytic converter staring to get clogged maybe.... My lifters knock pretty bad when cold in the mornings, but that's all I got

MTjeepin

I don't have one anymore, cut it right off and put a false o2 sensor to keep the check engine light off, thanks for the reply though.

GoMopar440

Flexplate bolts loose maybe?

BTW: So are you in MT?

MTjeepin

Ya i live in Butte, pretty dang close to Anaconda! But i have checked all the flexplate bolts and also the dust shields for any wear and nothin. All bolts are nice and tight. It's getting pretty frustrating, very annoying noise!!

89 xj stroker

What about the torque converter-to-flywheel bolts? Ive heard of those symtems bein caused by those bolts being loose.

MTjeepin

Those are also tight. Made sure the bolts were not too long or too short. It's wierd because when i take my foot off the gas and just coast, the clicking/ticking stops. So it's when the vehicle is under load or stressed. Thanks for your input though everybody

89 xj stroker

Hmmmmm... Maybe theres some jeep guru that can chime in, im kinda interested in knowing what it is.

MTjeepin

Ya me too. I am trying to get my jeep all done before winter hits, which here in MT could be tomorrow. I have looked all around the internet and people to see if they have heard of this symptom and maybe have a cure for it but no luck

DFlintstone

The top starter bolt is too long, touching the torque plate. Long extension(s), 14mm & universal, the end of the bolt will be shiny. Take 3 washers under there with you and you won't even need to come up for air!

MTjeepin

Thanks DFlinstone good idea, but i have checked that also and no dice. The bolts were fine and I even put washers too see if it would help and nothin. I really appreciate your help and suggestion though!!

DFlintstone

That'l learn me for getten cocky! Thought I had that for sure. It's just one bolt, triple check? (I didn't use enough washers the first time). Ended up with almost 1/4 inch.

"It won't tick if i rev in parkor neutral." Mine was the same.

Spoonman

Sounds like an exhaust leak to me.

freegdr

it only makes the noise when moving or just idleing

Slick761

You said it changes with rpm.... put it in gear hold your foot on th brake and rev it slowly and tell me what happens.... I'm inclined to say input shaft bearings.