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ticking time bomb - please input

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Old 08-09-2010, 11:08 AM
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Exclamation 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?
Old 08-09-2010, 11:11 AM
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Check if there's an alarm clock in there, if not I wouldn't worry about, mine clicks like that too.
Old 08-09-2010, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by ebelizard
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?
Sounds like a valve tap to me, nothing to worry about if it is only that. Make a video and post it on utube for us to listen to...Tj
Old 08-09-2010, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 95Cherokee
Check if there's an alarm clock in there, if not I wouldn't worry about, mine clicks like that too.
lol like I had mentioned, im worried about it being a crank rod bearing
Old 08-09-2010, 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by TrekkerJmm
Sounds like a valve tap to me, nothing to worry about if it is only that. Make a video and post it on utube for us to listen to...Tj

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.
Old 08-09-2010, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by ebelizard
lol like I had mentioned, im worried about it being a crank rod bearing
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.
Old 08-09-2010, 01:39 PM
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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
Old 08-09-2010, 01:43 PM
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Every 4.0 I have heard ticks(coming from valve cover)
Old 08-09-2010, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by tmilford34
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
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.
Old 08-09-2010, 01:57 PM
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my injectors tick,
Old 08-09-2010, 02:52 PM
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Don't park near any federal buildings...anywhere else is OK.
Old 08-09-2010, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by CodeXJ
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.
I agree, i had a Ford probe (absolutely hated that car, but it was good on gas) and it did the same thing.. It turned out to be the lifter...
Old 08-09-2010, 04:17 PM
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its the evap purge solenoid
Old 08-09-2010, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by new1999cherokee
its the evap purge solenoid

You're pretty confident about that, huh?
Old 08-09-2010, 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by tmilford34
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
My money is on this answer.


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