I have a 97 xj w/a 4.0 that has an unusual engine noise. It sounds like there is a nut rolling around in between the engine and the transmission. My guess is that is not what the problem is, but I am at a loss. The noise increases with the engine. I have not lost any power that I am aware of.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

could be if a flywheel bolt came loose, prolly a cracked flexplate or flywheel...i would pull the inspection cover and go from there

 

Or you got a rod loose!
That's what mine was.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

What is your oil pressure? has it dropped at all...Tj

 

No it hasn't dropped. It actually seems to be running very well.

 

Do you have a manual transmission? Could be the throw-out bearing.

 

No, it is an automatic and 4wd.

Also, I really appreciate everyones advice.

 

I had the exact same problem. I checked the flexplate bolts and they were loose. I tightened them up and the sound is gone. Try it, it is pretty simple and straight forward to do.