Have a 2003 wj with a 4.7l v8. When I start up the car when it is cold after about a minute of idle I get this clacking noise. Then after about another minute it goes away. Has anyone else had this problem before?

 

Welcome to CF!

It's probably sticky rocker anchors. They are like valve lifters, but are on the stationary ends of the rockers. They are hydraulic anchors points that control the valve lash. The cams run on the center point of the rockers and the valves are on the other end. JMHO. (third class lever)

 

Is this a serious issue?

 

Not in it's present condition, but it's something that should be looked at. I've heard that in some cases a rocker has come off it's mounting. You should be talking to someone with more 4.7 experience. I'm a 4.0 man and don't know much about the 4.7 except what I've learned by listening to those who do.

Your thread sat a while, so I thought I'd get you going.

 

I just bought an 02 GC with the 4.7 ho and was told it needed a new motor but it did run just rough and noisy. to make a long story short took off valve cover and had 2 rocket arms laying in the bottom so if yours gets too bad that could happen.

 

See? I told you this happens. If you're handy, you can probably take them apart and clean them, or replace them as needed. IDK, this might require removing the cams, which is a major step.

 

Don't attempt to clean them, I took a couple apart and that's not too hard but getting the top crimped back tight is tough, you can get a whole set of lash adjusters for about 140 and I have seen them as low as 55 but kinda leary about the quality of those. The rocker arms can be removed without removing the cam just watch your piston hight. They make a special tool to compress the spring and that runs about $95 but can be done without it just don't gouge any parts.

 

Okay, I just checked. rockauto.com has them for $136.90 (Clevite) or Mopar for about twice that.

 

Good price, the ones I got were sealed power, Napa auto parts brand. Just changed out the right side today got it back together and started right up and sounded good. But now I noticed some dragging noise from my rear end, think it's my wheel bearings.

 

Sealed Power's a good brand. I used their valve lifters in my 4.0. They make the normal 4.0 rattle when cold, but quiet up when hot.