ZJ Engine noise, please HELP!
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
ZJ Engine noise, please HELP!
Hi there,
My '96 ZJ is developing quite a loud engine noise. It is more than just the normal diesel sounding lifter noise, it is more of a knock. Combining the two engine noises like a harmonized Boston guitar solo has created a real monster.
The video starts as a cold start, then compares the sound to when it is warmed up. After warming up the knock seems to subside a bit, but is still fairly loud.
1) Should I stop driving it? I don't want to cause more engine damage. I have another car I can drive.
2) What can I check to narrow down the trouble?
Your opinions / advice PLEASE. I am unemployed and money is tight. Really don't know what to do or what to check first. My mechanical abilities are average.
Edit: Mileage shown is in kilometers. 248,000km = 154,000 miles
Thanks!
Adam
Here's the vid:
http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...epknocking.flv
My '96 ZJ is developing quite a loud engine noise. It is more than just the normal diesel sounding lifter noise, it is more of a knock. Combining the two engine noises like a harmonized Boston guitar solo has created a real monster.
The video starts as a cold start, then compares the sound to when it is warmed up. After warming up the knock seems to subside a bit, but is still fairly loud.
1) Should I stop driving it? I don't want to cause more engine damage. I have another car I can drive.
2) What can I check to narrow down the trouble?
Your opinions / advice PLEASE. I am unemployed and money is tight. Really don't know what to do or what to check first. My mechanical abilities are average.
Edit: Mileage shown is in kilometers. 248,000km = 154,000 miles
Thanks!
Adam
Here's the vid:
http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...epknocking.flv
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Tenn. and Mich.
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
I wish I could watch/listen to the video and offer some advice, but unfortunately I'm in Mich. on a lap-top that won't let me view the video. Sorry.
How's the oil pressure?
Has it started to smoke? If so, color of smoke?
You can use a mechanics stethoscope or a piece of broom handle with one end against your ear and the other on the cyl. head or block area to isolate the origin of the noise. Be sure and stay away from moving parts on the front of engine.
Noise from lower block area will indicate bearing or rod damage and which cyl. by moving the implement around.
Noise from the cyl. head could indicate valve-train damage and isolate it as indicated above.
The noise can be coming from a cracked flex-plate/flywheel also. There's threads on here that deal with that issue.
Sometimes a cracked exhaust manifold or leaking gasket can make a similar noise.
HTH
Dan
How's the oil pressure?
Has it started to smoke? If so, color of smoke?
You can use a mechanics stethoscope or a piece of broom handle with one end against your ear and the other on the cyl. head or block area to isolate the origin of the noise. Be sure and stay away from moving parts on the front of engine.
Noise from lower block area will indicate bearing or rod damage and which cyl. by moving the implement around.
Noise from the cyl. head could indicate valve-train damage and isolate it as indicated above.
The noise can be coming from a cracked flex-plate/flywheel also. There's threads on here that deal with that issue.
Sometimes a cracked exhaust manifold or leaking gasket can make a similar noise.
HTH
Dan
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Jonesboro,Ar
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
To me i cant hear any knocking at all. Which is a good thing sounds more like a problem under the valve cover. I have a 93 with about the same mileage and its knocking and its a lot deeper of a sound than that. I would try to find the tread that ol'blue was talking about, and remove the valve cover to see if you can see any issues.
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thanks for the tips,
As an update I had an oil change done tonight and added some Lucas oil treatment. Not much of an improvement yet...
Thanks,
Adam
As an update I had an oil change done tonight and added some Lucas oil treatment. Not much of an improvement yet...
Thanks,
Adam
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jhamXJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
11-09-2021 08:20 AM
NM-XJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
18
10-23-2018 04:21 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)