I finally was able to get a Grand Cherokee for a reasonable price 3 days ago. Finally gonna be cool! Had the mechanic look over the truck, check to make sure it was worth buying (for 2k less than kbb!). He gives it the green light, drop my jaw, expecting something to be wrong...well there is something wrong. The jeep looks great, inside and outside, in need of a little touch up on the hood (clear coat and a rust spot). The problem is, after I bought the jeep, took it back to the same mechanic for an oil change. After the oil change, the engine is 'knocking' now! I want to find the guy (and maybe the mechanic too) and the both of 'em! The sound is loud enough to hear and gets steadier as the engine is revved. I thought it sounded like an exhaust leak, at first until you look under the hood and the sound is coming from the other side of the motor. I have heard the knocking sound of a thrown rod before, this sounds more muffled, and sharper then the thud I remember hearing.

Now, I have to tell my wife about how I screwed up and we have just wasted all of our tax return on a jeep that is gonna blow a rod any day.
Sorry for this long-winded post, just and really want to save this jeep without spending an arm and leg in the process.

The mechanic is suggesting replacing the motor. He thinks the bearings are bad, and the motor does have a leak where the head gasket is located. The cost, $1450.00 plus labor...So a motor is out of our price range after buying the jeep.

Is there a sure way of knowing what this sound is for sure? Can there be a test for the motor? The engine revs fine (even with the noise), has power, oil pressure, not overheating, and drives great. Any help is greatly appreciated as I love these jeeps.

 

Well, I reckon you’ve just been unlucky – how do you expect a mechanic to know 100% that an engine is not going to fail within the next 100 miles? After all, the vehicle is 9 years old and you have not quoted the mileage. You have not given the engine size/type which might help others assist you.

Take it to a Jeep main dealer and ask them for a diagnosis.

Nice looking vehicle from the photo.

 

Sorry about my previous post. The jeep, a 4.0 in-line 6 cylinder, had 176,000 miles on it, as well lifter noises. The karma will be for the gentleman who sold me the jeep knowing that, because the oil was doctored with something, quieting the noise from the lower end. I know that short of taking an engine apart, a mechanic is not going to know if the motor will last driving out of the shop bay, let alone down the road.
You try telling your wife that and having her believe you.

Well, what's done is done and I am getting a used motor with about 90,000 mile from LKQ (I think) by the dealer that brought the jeep to for a check. All told, the motor replacement will cost about 1600.00, roughly. Not too bad considering I don't have the tools or shop to do this anymore. I will post an update when the motor is pulled, maybe with some pics, as well when it is finished. Thanks for listening (reading).

 

What should have been an easier removal turned into the plastic connector from hell! It seemed like every connector on this motor was being stubborn, sort of like the owner...
Oh well, it took all day to get the freaking motor out.
I have attached pictures to illustrate the removal and also the blown motor damage. I did a good job on blowing it, so good that I broke the AC casing completely, have to replace that now too.

Thanks for listening.

 

While I have to go back to my regular job, my mechanic is finishing the motor. I was able to hear the motor this morning before going to work. Nice sounding and very strong. Now I have to research some electrical issues with, it seems, the ignition. The windows, door locks, turn signals, and interior lights stop working for some reason but when I remove the key and re-insert, they all start working again...

 

Oh yeah, I have some parts but I cannot post in the for sale yet. Any ideas on where to post beside Craig's List?