I have a 97 xj with the 4.0 and about 294,000 mi, and recently the engine has been getting louder so I checked under the hood and it seems the sound is coming from the drivers side of the motor, any ideas what this is? Any input appreciated, thanks

 

Where's your oil level at? What kind of filter are you running?

 

Cracked exhaust manifold.

 

x2 on the manifold

 

X 3 on the exhaust manifold. Since it is a pain in the butt to remove intake mani. to get to the exhaust mani., check and see with a flashlight where the crack is. It usually will be where the pipes come together. If you dont want to take everything apart to get a welder in there, go to an auto parts store and buy some thermal compound. I got some that is rated up to 1500 deg. and used it on my manifold crack. It's now been over two months and is holding up fine. Cost me about $8.00.

 

Oil level was low the other day when it started getting loud but I added some and the noise persisted. Filter is whatever came on it when I bought it in Feb. I'm about to go look at both the filter and manifold, will post it after I check.

 

It's a purolater classic oil filter and it looks like part of the exhaust manifold was already replaced, newer looking pipe than the rest. And I forgot to say the loud sound is a rotating sound, doesn't sound like an exhaust problem n no check engine light. I am getting about a 47 on the oil gauge when accelerating and about 20 when sitting still in gear but a 29 sitting in park

 

Like a pulley or bearing? Not a tick, thump or knock? Got enough power steering fluid in the reservoir?

 

If you don't think it is the manifold can we get a video so we can hear the sound?

 

I'll post a vid in the morning cuz my phone is about to die and I don't have a computer

 

You may want to start checking all of the pulleys. One of the easiest ways that to do a quick check is spray a little wd40 or any spray lube on the bearing of the pulleys. One at a time making sure not to spray any on you belt. Make sure it's off when you spray them. when you spray one restart the engine and listen. Just keep doing that until you find the one causing the noise. That is if it is a bearing.
Good Luck.