ok, so

1987 xj 4.0

im noticing that if i dont start my jeep up for about 12 hours when its cold (engine and outside temp) my oil light comes on and i hear some lifter tick for about 1-2 seconds, then the oil light goes off and the noise stops.

what could be causing that and am i doing any damage.

so you know it has a new oil pump as of 1 year ago, im using 10-40 oil and a wix filter, and yes the oil level is full.

could the anti drain back valve in the filter have gone bad?

The WIX filter has a good anti-drain back valve and shouldn't be your problem.

Do you have an instrument cluster with an oil pressure gauge? It sounds like you don't and don't know what oil pressure you have.

10W-40 may be on the heavy side for you. Why are you using that? Try 10W-30, or 5W-30 with some Marvel Mystry Oil added and see what happens.

You should really know what oil pressure you have during your problem. If you don't have an instrument cluster you can hook up a direct reading oil pressure gauge and see what your engine is doing.

I should have said in my original post my bad.


I have the dummy light. I hooked up a oil pressure tester and I don't remember the readings off the top of my head. But from my research it reads normal. I'm using 10 40 because I have high milage (222k) and was told to use slightly thicker oil because of engine wear.

I should also add I do have an oil leak. I think from the valve cover and oil filter adapter O rings.

I looked up my last post about my oil pressure.


When it starts cold the oil pressure slowly builds while the light is on. Then levels out at 60psi and the light goes off.

During that first second or two while the pressure builds is when I get the lifter tick.

now that i think about it.....if the oil filter adapter leaks would that cause a dry start, i do notice it dripping pretty good after i shut off my engine

That sounds like a likely culprit. Similar effect as the filter's ADBV failing.

Do the OFA seals. Add MMO, about a quart.

Alright. So I guess first on the agenda is replacing those dang o rings. Right after we get are first snow fall. Perfect

Easy on an 87. No Torx bolt.

I hate laying in the snow..........

Yeah. Looks not too bad. Just gotta remove the filter for more room. And there not much snow. Just wet and cold

Love laying in the snow....

Off the top of your head do you know what size bolt that is on an 87? Just so I can all my tools together before I get into it

5/8 fits mine

You live in Orlando...........

I like writing my name in the snow.