BAC

About a month ago when pulling away from a stop my 2001 Grand Cherokee started making a loud clattering noise. When I pumped the gas pedal it went away. Samething happened again and went away. A couple of days ago it did it again and wouldn't go away. Almost sounded like a piece of shrouding was rubbing on the belt or something. Pulled it into the driveway and lifted the hood and saw nothing. Turned off the engine and looked some more. Nothing. Started it up and the noise was gone. Local machanic thinks it could be sticking lifters. He advised to put in an oil additive. Any other ideas on cause or remedy?

PatriotGT

check the harmonic balancer. On my 99 it had seperated enough
the the fan was clicking on it. The belt also jumped off.

BAC

Yeah Thanks. There was nothing lose or rubbing. Seemed like heavy valve clatter. Only problem is now it's gone????

Bustedback

Check the motor mounts, the engine could be torquing over and the fan is rubbing on the shroud. And of course check the engine oil level.

BAC

Found out that oil sludge from using parafin based oil can clog the passage way into the lifters (among other things). When the oil pressure drops a little at idle if the passage way is clogged a little oil can't get through and produces clatter from the lifter because their not getting lubed. Put some oil treatment detergent in and will change the oil in a about a week. Hopefully that will do it.