I have an 89 cherokee 4.0 base model with 190k miles on 'er and am trying to take care of all the bells and whistles on 'er but am stumped on how to take care of... well I dont want to say its not a rod knock cause its not a thump like something major but more of a ticking that I believe is a lifter knock. I really would like to fix 'er but dont know exactly were to start or even if its fixable. So I figure seeings how you all have helped me in the past I would like opinions.

Thanks for your time
very much appreciated.

 

When does it happen? Cold startup, warmed up, only at certain times?

What brand of oil filter are you currently using?

Have you ever shined a light into the oil filler hole to assess the sludge buildup?

 

Automagic? Check this for free https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...547&styleid=14

 

The noise happens mainly on start up and and gets better as it warms up but still keeps ticking. And yes I have looked inside the hole to see if I can see whats goin on and it looks good on the inside. This Jeep is a very well taken care of Jeep. I really wish there was some other alternative other than taking the whole top end off and rebuilding but if that is your guys' recommendation than at least that will give me a direction on where to go.

 

Just a question but why do you think it may be the oil filter?

 

If you had a Fram filer you would get slapped by all of the seasoned members.

 

Mine is the same way, been doing it for about 30k miles...mine has 195k on it now. I've checked the flex plate bolts and inspected the flex plate for cracks, I run synthetic oil and WIX filters, no excessive sludge (that I can see, obviously), exhaust manifold is good and has no cracks. That being said I've narrowed it down to either a lose timing chain or lifter noise. But if it was a lose timing chain slapping around, it wouldn't get a little quieter after warmup.

 

Try this. Upon startup and getting the tick, shut the engine off and wait 20 seconds. Re-start. Noise gone?

 

Tell us which brand is on there.....

 

Option #1- Just realse It's "a Jeep Thing!"

Option #2- Fram sucks.... And a can of this love juice would help!

 

Have you used restore yourself?

 

And you have reason to suspect a product meant to help with worn rings would help in this situation with absolutely no technical diagnosis why exactly?

I have nothing against the stuff necessarily but this is like throwing random parts at a problem.


OP: What have you checked and what oil filter is on it? We're going to need data to help you. If you really want we can just randomly guess, but it's going to get expensive.

 

That's a common trait with piston slap too, gets better as the pistons heat up and expand.

 

Curious about the oil filter and experience with Restore.......

 

Its a damn FRAM... so I guess changing the oil and oil filter is alot better than goin through the top end of the engine I guess...