2000 XJ, When I take off now I hear a clanking noise. Not when it idles.It sounds like a loose exhaust but I can't find anything loose. I read the exhaust manifolds breaking is a problem on these but I can't see up in there, Is there a way to tell without taking the intake manifold off?

 

Use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope. Press it against the exhaust manifold with the engine running. If you hear a loud ticking through the handle, the manifold is cracked.

Also, check your engine mounts. A broken mount lets the engine shift and the exhaust can bang against the frame when you accelerate.

 

Ok thanks!

 

If your mounts are broken, a very common possibility...your fan might be hitting the shroud or even wacking the radiator. Put in drive with brakes set, foot on brake and give it gas..does engine shift? 2 person job. Or your exhaust pipe might be banging the t- case support. Could be a busted or worn sway bar bolt or bushing. Need more info on when. Is it under heavy accel, any fwd motion, turns , instantly. Is it actual noise or just a feeling of clanking or thumping . Put the back axle up on jackstands and put in gear...any noise? How are the front and rear shock bushings.

 

Under acceleration. Clanking noise. Mostly when accelerating.Once in a while I can get it to do it at at idle when I give throttle.
But really loud when I take off. I can't find anything broken.. Shocks are brand new.

It's a clanking. I'll need another person to do the in drive diagnosis

 

Does it only do it in gear, or in park too?

 

You all pointed me in the right direction. I was looking in the wrong spot. It was the fan shroud hitting the fan. The previous owner replaced the radiator and did not install the fan shroud correctly . The two plastic tabs on the fan shroud slide into the metal core support to keep the bottom in place. It was flapping back and forth and hitting when accelerator pushed.

Amazing, it didn't make a sound when I test drove it 10 months ago. 2nd job done incorrectly by PO.

Thanks again, this is a great forum!!