Hey everyone, i just purchased this 95 cherokee sport a couple weeks ago and now its starting to sound like a diesel . Ive done searches out it and ive read its a common issue with the 4.0's. It has 168k on the motor and runs very good, but, the noise is driving me nuts. I just changed the oil and it didnt help. My oil pressure per the factory gauge stays around 40lbs after its warmed up. I used a long screwdriver and i can hear the noise better around the bell housing, dont hear anything at the oil pan. Heres a vid i took, any ideas ? ive also heard it could be the flex plate ?

 

Anyone ?

 

That's a messed up noise, man. Sounds like sticky valves, or somethin in the head.. Check a local shop to see if they can put a stethoscope on there to try and pin point the noise... Maybe somethin in the evap system???

 

Sounds just like mine did for a minute when I reset the computer and it was adjusting itself. Along those lines try resetting the computer and seeing if it does it after that or if that changes it at all. If not it may be a sensor going bad, I would guess map. If not its probably mechanical. To reset the computer pull the positive and negative cables off the battery and hold them together. Don't think you have to do it long but I do it for 30 seconds, it discharges the capacitor. Next turn the headlights on for 30 seconds with the key on engine off. Turn off. Start engine I actually don't really think you have to turn the lights on but everyone here seems to say so....

 

if it in creases with RPM's and you have an auto it probably is your flex plate bolts.

pull the inspection cover and check the torque

 

thanks for the help everyone, im hopeing its not the flex plate, but, I know my luck..

 

that is an easy fix if it is the bolts, if it is cracked. then you drop the tranz and it is easy too

 

From where I am sitting. It sounds like my 99 with 182k on it.
Mine is lifter noise..
Mystery oil seems to be helping the issue.

 

that stuff is not good for the engine it is a bandaid and is actually doing damage, if it is lifter noise you need to take the valve cover off and run it and watch for a sticking lifter or it will grind down the crank then you have MUCH bigger issues. due to no longer having a lope in your crank

 

So, when people say flex plate is there actually a flex plate or do they mean flywheel ? I removed the inspection cover and the bolts were tight but I didnt see a flex plate anywhere ?

Also, where is the best place to get a replacement instead of the stealership ?

 

automatics have flex-plates, manuals have flywheels if im an not mistaken..i could be wrong

 

My 89 is doing the same thing and i cant pinpoint it at all. I think mine is in the lockup in the convertor is shot. Hows does ur trans feel at crusing? Does it feel like its in and out of gear?

 

My '98 is making the same sound. I pulled the cover this morning, hoping it was only loose flex plate bolts. It was not. The flex plate on these seem to be one piece with the ring gear welded on. It does seem more like a rattle/tap than a knock. It doesn't sound like a lifter tap. I almost wonder if it is the torque converter. I had a slant six that sounded like this when it idled for the last 150,000 miles. The body finally rotted away. I even cut an oil filter in half looking for metal, and found nothing. My exhaust manifold is cracked, but I don't think that is it. If you find out I would love to know. Please keep us informed.

 

My 92 makes that clacking loose bolt sounds, i assume it is the torque converter bolts, i cant get the damn flywheel to turn (i put the vehicle in N), but i have also heard of a crack in the exhaust system could cause that issue. also if it was something in the engine as far as a rod or something wouldnt it get faster when the vehicle drives or is rev. up?

 

Yes if it was a rod it would increase in sound as the rpms increase.
Mine only does it at start up and above like 1500 rpms?
I will br searching this week for mine.