So my XJ -90 with the AW4 auto transmission has started to tick.
Not constantly, but at anytime, warm, cold, high or low rpms.
Crawled under today and saw that the bolt opposite of the oil drain plug is missing. Is that the cover for the flex plate?

Could this missing bolt cause the ticking noise?
If so, what type of bolt is it and what size?

 

I'm having a hard time picturing what you're saying.

A tick that comes and goes is usually a sticky lifter.

This link will provide you with some photos regarding the flexplate cover.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

 

Aha ok ok. But isn't the lifters located in the engine/engine bay? This noise comes frim underneath the engine.

In that link, the second picture. The bolt to the left of the oil drain plug, mine is missing. Is that clearer maybe?

 

Yep. I think you need to do the procedure in that link and find a replacement bolt and nut when you put the plate back on.

 

Alright, great.
How serious is this noise? Im above the Arctic Circle and its getting damn cold nowadays and no garage...
Can I drive like this for a few months without risking to brake anything?

 

I wouldn't. If the flexplate bolts are loose, the holes in the flexplate can get egged out and then you'll need to replace the flexplate.

It's an hour job at the most.

 

Hes talking about the inspection cover bolts,Ticking sounds are normally lifters in the engine.But if its coming from under the jeep it could be the exhaust warming up or a heat shield on the exhaust rattling.

 

Did you read Post #2?

Or loose flexplate bolts. He already said it wasn't up above by the lifters but down underneath.

Either way, it's NEVER a bad idea to re-do the flexplate bolts. Either they're loose now or they will be in the future.

 

Ok thanks cruiser! Another great advice from you!
I will look at this tomorrow, almost 3 pm here so no more daylight...
Hopefully I can find another bolt too!

 

I'm gunna thread jack you here.

That same bolt that you are missing, is stripped beyond belief on mine. I guess the PO tried to get at the flexplate and was unsuccessful and gave up. Now I need to get to it. What can I do to get this stripped bolt out? It's a tight space in there so not much room to work with

 

The head is rounded off or what?

 

Precisely

 

Sorry to interupt here but I forgot to ask, how many bolts are holding the cover, 3?
And the flexplate has 4?

Just need a confirmation on that so tomorrow I know what I got in front of me. Sure looking forward to crawl under it on the snow...

 

Four each.

 

There's just not much room down there to drill out the bolt. What would you do my friend?