Hi everyone, first-time poster here. I know that there's about a million threads about 4.0's ticking but haven't found one that quite fits my issues.

So my 2002 wj has developed this tick that only occurs when the engine is at operating temp. And I mean like LOUD ticking; the video doesn't do it justice. It used to come and go, but now it's pretty much constant once it's warmed up. I poked around with a stethoscope and found a possible ticking sound coming from the exhaust right where it connects to the head. No ticking from the valve cover as far as i could tell. Here's a video that might help capture the sound better. I am definitely leaning towards the manifold being the issue here, but I wanted to get more input before I throw money at it. Any other ideas? Thanks.

 

sound like it gets warm and expands, opening a gap around the exhaust, try putting a new exhaust gasket in and torque up the manifold bolts ??

 

What weight oil are yoiu running in it?

 

10w-30 full synthetic. is there a better oil/additive that quiets it down at all?

 

Yup, that was my suspected issue. However I decided to go ahead and take apart the manifold last weekend and the noise remains exactly the same. Checked for cracks and couldn't find anything, replaced the gasket, and torqued the bolts. No luck..

 

I would suggest you try adding a product called Power Punch. It is an extreme pressure additive that the company claims does not increase viscosity.

 

Pull the VC and look for un oiled valve stems