CherokeeXJ4x4

Since I bought my 1999 cherokee, there has been a tick/knock that has since gotten much louder. The noise gets a little quieter when the motor warms up, but its still pretty loud and doesn't go away. Loudest on the top end. Oil is clean. Can someone help me diagnose the problem?

Here is a video I just took.

travs2448

Sounds like its either piston slap or a cracked flexplate. could be lifters too but that doesnt exactly sound like it, and usually a lifter tick goes away with rpm unless the whole cam is involved.

CherokeeXJ4x4

Thanks for the response. Leaning toward piston slap. Anyone else have any input?

BruceB

Just to eliminate it, check your distributor shaft for side to side play. My noise was very close to what yours sounds like. I removed the belt to eliminate all the belt driven devices as a cause. Had my flex plate examined by a mechanic. He was the one that suggested the distributor. Sure enough...replaced it and no noise, better gas mileage...go figure

JamromXJ

Sounds too "loud" to be piston slap. It sounds like it's external to the motor. I'd go with Flexplate. Maybe it's as simple as a bolt being loose.

Piston slap is loud, but usually not as racketing as what you have.

cruiser54

Start here:

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

CherokeeXJ4x4

just checked the flex plate, no luck with that. Really trying to narrow down the sound but i cant seem to find out exactly where its coming from

but thanks for your help everyone. ill have to look into the distributor.

cruiser54

Under $5.