Hey all.. new guy here from MN.. I am looking to buy a Jeep as a winter beater while my toy is parked. I hear the 4.0L engine is a beast.. there is a 1999 GC here locally with 202k for $1500.. it's in great shape but the desc simply says "has loud lifter noise coming from engine". I understand lifter noise is normal and can be easily solved with an additive or heavier oil.. what I don't know if there is a point where the tick is so bad I should be concerned. Suggestions?

 

You don't have to do anything for the tick or lower end knock till the motor DIES at 250K-300k plus miles. Additives and thicker oil will do nothing for the lifter tick or noisy bearings. With a 99 Grand I would be more concerned with the transmission and Transfer Case if AWD and the rearend.

 

Heavier oil will just hasten the engines end. If you're going to run it in the winter, heavy oil will make start up wear even worse.

Bobistheoilguy.com

Good luck

 

Ya you don't need to use heavier oil it just covers the noise. A lot of times running atf or an engine flush type additive can free up a lifter and eliminate the noise. Just changing to synthetic can do it too because it cleans much better then regular oil. I run 5-30 syn. When I got the jeep it tapped. After two oil changes with syn its quiet as can be.

 

Ok.. I guess I do not care about the noise as long as it is not a major issue.. I will try and post a video so you guys can tell me what you think.

 

Sounds good! Is the oil pressure good?

 

Dealer sold it right before I showed yesterday.. argh!! I will keep looking.