ticking time bomb - please input
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 bullet proof
ticking time bomb - please input
Just recently there has been a ticking noise coming from my engine compartment when driving. Its a 4.0 with 204k, runs strong, doesnt sputter or stall. All gauges read normal when driving, however at lower RPMs the ticking is loud enough to be heard.
A buddy of mine said it could be either a bent valve, loose rocker arm, or a bearing within the motor. I know its hard to diagnose whats wrong with my jeep without hearing or seeing it, but has anyone had the same issue?
A buddy of mine said it could be either a bent valve, loose rocker arm, or a bearing within the motor. I know its hard to diagnose whats wrong with my jeep without hearing or seeing it, but has anyone had the same issue?
"CF Moderator"
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 3
From: N.J. Shore Area
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6 HO
Just recently there has been a ticking noise coming from my engine compartment when driving. Its a 4.0 with 204k, runs strong, doesn't sputter or stall. All gauges read normal when driving, however at lower RPMs the ticking is loud enough to be heard.
A buddy of mine said it could be either a bent valve, loose rocker arm, or a bearing within the motor. I know its hard to diagnose whats wrong with my jeep without hearing or seeing it, but has anyone had the same issue?
A buddy of mine said it could be either a bent valve, loose rocker arm, or a bearing within the motor. I know its hard to diagnose whats wrong with my jeep without hearing or seeing it, but has anyone had the same issue?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 bullet proof
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 bullet proof
will do. I think its coming from the back of the motor, cant really tell if the noise is coming from the top of the head. I'll see what I can catch on video tonight when I get off work.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Port Orange, FL
Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Rod bearings are typically a more 'deep' sounding clank than a tick. Crank bearings tend to be a squealing noise. Ticking is usually lifters or other valvetrain noise. I disagree with it being a bent valve, if it was a bent valve you'd notice it do to the drop in compression from the valve not sealing properly anymore.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, Al
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Or it could be the start of an exhaust leak out of the manifold. I had the same thoughts as you when i first heard mine and could find nothing wrong but it got louder and louder till it was very obvious that it was an exhaust leak
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Port Orange, FL
Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Didn't think of that, but yes, it could be that. Plus I remember hearing something about the manifolds being prone to cracking at the welds.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Sullivan, Missouri
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Rod bearings are typically a more 'deep' sounding clank than a tick. Crank bearings tend to be a squealing noise. Ticking is usually lifters or other valvetrain noise. I disagree with it being a bent valve, if it was a bent valve you'd notice it do to the drop in compression from the valve not sealing properly anymore.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter