What would you do???
#1
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Location: Charlotte, NC
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What would you do???
If you had an otherwise great 1997 Jeep XJ with 155 k miles that you like everything about, year model / grill; color; leather seats; equipment, etc. and the engines lifters were rattleing like a diesel, what would you do.
Find another one, or build the engine.
Find another one, or build the engine.
#2
CF Veteran
I would likely bite the bullet and go with a Golen 4.6L stroker then rebuild my old 4.0L on a stand. Not only for the experience but so I could sell it to recoup some of my investment in the 4.6. 155K is nothing so if it's rattling like a tank already then it's probably not enjoyed a life of regular maintenance and care.
#4
I would get a JY engine and put in and rebuild mine, then swap. You're not out a ton of cash that way, you get the experience, and your XJ will last another 20 years.
#5
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Used engines around here go for $1,000. That's quite a lot to gamble with in my view and some junk-yard guys are a little....shady? Hard to judge a steam-cleaned engine strapped to a pallet. I can hear it now, "Yeah...she's only got 70k on her".
#6
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Year: '99 and '91
Model: Cherokee
IF it does have issues...
If you can't find a 4.0 for less than a grand you're looking in the wrong places. Go to a JY where you pull your own.
#7
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Year: 1997
Engine: 4.0
if you're positive it's the lifters why not replace them the cam and timing chain ? I'm assuming u haven't removed that head yet and if so why didn't u do it then
those bottom ends will go 400 k if maintained.
those bottom ends will go 400 k if maintained.
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#10
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Simple.
if (XJ_Body = Rust_Free){
purchase XJ;
} else {
continue;
}
Everything else can be replaced. There were over 2 million built, there's no shortage of bits. Engine noise could be anything. Flex plate loose, ****ty oil filter, bent pushrod, loose rockers... even those with noisy lifters keep on rattling well into old age.
if (XJ_Body = Rust_Free){
purchase XJ;
} else {
continue;
}
Everything else can be replaced. There were over 2 million built, there's no shortage of bits. Engine noise could be anything. Flex plate loose, ****ty oil filter, bent pushrod, loose rockers... even those with noisy lifters keep on rattling well into old age.
#11
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
I say keep it and fix it. I am somewhat in the same boat as you with a few possible issues at hand. I figure if I just stick it through and fix it, it will be a lot better than selling and just ending up with another piece of junk that needs work.
#13
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks for the replies.
It's been tough riding the fence about this. The oil pressure guage reads 10 lbs hot / 50lbs cold, so I'm pretty sure the cam bearings are wiped out. Engine is still strong and does not loose / burn oil. Jasper want's over 2 grand to rebuild and likely won't get my original parts back. I'll stay in touch, thanks again.
It's been tough riding the fence about this. The oil pressure guage reads 10 lbs hot / 50lbs cold, so I'm pretty sure the cam bearings are wiped out. Engine is still strong and does not loose / burn oil. Jasper want's over 2 grand to rebuild and likely won't get my original parts back. I'll stay in touch, thanks again.