awfulmel

I heard a loud tapping in engine when pulling out of driveway the other day. Drove around block and parked back in my draveway. This past weekend was going to start looking into the problem. When I turn the igintion key engine started to turn and then starter started clicking. Makes me think I have serious problem. Any thoughts?

Eva

You may indeed have a bad problem. Do NOT continue to try to start the engine.

Now, which engine do you have? And please respecify the year, make and model.

awfulmel

Thanks for your reply...I have a 1999 Grand Cherroke Limited Straight 6 Cylinder with 210,000 miles. Again thanks for your reply.

Eva

Can you give me the liter displacement? I want to make sure I have right one.

awfulmel

Straight 6 / 4.0L

Eva

Okay, here are your most likely case scenarios.
1) Timing chain jumped teeth, and is off gear, and/ or
2) Your camshaft is broken.

I'm hoping I'm wrong on this one, but you need to treat the diagnostics that way, so you don't break the camshaft trying to start the engine if the timing chain jumped time.

Start by checking the engine and coolant levels, and making sure it's not something there. If not, you're going to have to try to turn the engine over by hand, down at the front of the engine at the crankshaft. (I would recommend disconnecting the battery before you start reaching in engine compartment near the fan.) If you get a lot of noise, not good. If will not turn over, not good. If does turn over, not out of woods, but better.

Are you game to pull the timing case cover?

And I would also suggest getting some advice from ol' blue and ******' 44 on this one. There may be something easier than I'm seeing.

awfulmel

Well !...thanks very much for your input. I believe you may be right on this one. I will take a good hard look at it this Saturday. I'm fairly sure the fluids are good, but like you indicate...check the easy stuff first. I have no problem pulling it apart and checking timing chain or whatever. I'm not taking it to a mechanic...seems like the cost wouldn't justify the car value. But, I'm very willing to play with it myself. Thanks so much for your input and if you are interested I will post an update Saturday. Also, I have a 14 year old son that I think would be better off helping his Dad play with this car than pressing buttons on his PS3...lol

Eva

I wish you the best of luck, and yes, please post with update. And please help by getting one more kid out of the house, off video games, and learning how to turn some wrenches! ;-)