So my 2000 Cherokee has a ticking noise coming from the engine . It gets louder as I accelerate .

The jeep has a really bad oil leak & is burning oil could that be the reason ?

I was also told a cracked manifold ?
How much is it to get that fixed ? And if I let it go how long will it last before it ruins something else lol

 

Ticking (from what I have researched much of lately) can be caused by poor oil flow to the valve train ( lifters on tappet noise), a sticky lifter caused by age or poor oil flow or a cracked head in that region, bad/stretched timing chain causing pistons to touch valves. As far as burning oil I haven't done much reading but if your head is worn/cracked it could be the culprit. As for the cracked manifold, typical Jeep problem. Look at the manifold from the top down likely cracked at the collector. Increased engine bay temps, o2 sensor will likely read out of range messing with air/fuel system. drive it that way to its grave or just buy a $120 dorman OE replacement. Although I would figure out where and how bad the oil problem is first, I'm sure you will find your ticking noise in the process.

Eta till further damage or destruction?

It's a Jeep could be tomorrow could be 200k later lol