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.

 

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.

 

I'd go to the junk yard and pull an engine for $150 bucks and slap it in there in a weekend and be done.

 

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.

 

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".

 

I'd not worry about it and drive it til it blows a hole in the block. My 91 had 294k when I got it. I've put 30k on it. Its had a diesel-ish sound to it since I got it. Its been wrecked, sat for a year and STILL starts without a problem.

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.

 

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.

 

This.

 

http://www.car-part.com/

 

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.

 

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.

 

Hit up pull a part you have one in your city,Going by their price list a 4.0 will be 219 plus tax if they have one.

 

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.