Hi. I just picked up a nice 86 XJ at a great price. It only has 180k miles on it. It's 2.8L 4x4. My question is this; after the engine warms up, there is a slight knocking on the bottom end, and that it was caused by the oil pump. What do you guys think? This is my 1st XJ and I got it because I couldn't pass on the deal, especially when it is as clean as it is. Thanks in advance.

 

What kind of diagnostic procedures led you to believe and state that it was the oil pump?

 

I haven't yet. I just picked it up yesterday evening. It was told to me by the guy I bought it from.

 

An oil pump won't fix the knock. Excessive bearing clearance is causing the knock. Good news and bad news. Bad news is that the 2.8 V6 is a turd of a motor sourced from GM, they're not a very strong engine and leak oil like crazy. Good news is that your XJ is a prime candidate for an engine swap. You can do a 4.3 V6 swap, a small block Chevy swap, an LS motor swap...

 

So, does that mean that engine is shot? How hard would that be to fix? Sorry if I sound l ignorant, but I've only tinkered with certain car motors, I'm expierenced in v-twin motors.

 

Depends on the wear and if the crank needs to be turned. It means diss-assembly of the engine.

 

Alright. Thanks for all the help.

 

Well, at least Chevrolet parts tend to be cheap and plentiful.

 

Yeah, that's true. Thanks for the info.

 

If it is an Automatic it might be worth your time to check the Torque Convertor to Flexplate and Flexplate to Crank bolts before deciding the Engine is trashed. These can sound very similar when loose.

 

Thanks, I will check that out. It is an automatic.

 

This seems to be a common issue with these, Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Thanks man.

 

So I'm under my jeep right now & was looking for an inspection plate to check the bolts as you have mention & is there not an inspection plate for an 86, bone stock 2.8 liter motor & tranny for this thing? If not, do I have to dump the transmission pan?

 

"Dumping the pan" will only drain the fluid.

If you pull the starter, you might be able to see the bolts. There has to be a way to get to them.