Not heard of the loose starter bolt before. I would think starter engagement problems would also be present.

 

rebuilt a 98 cherokee 4.0 in-line 6 at 229,000 miles because of a cracked piston skirt, a knowledgible friend hit it right on the money. He says it's a common problem with these engines.

 

What were the symptoms? For lack of a better word

 

I have a 92' that had the same low Rpm knock for the better part of a year and I was convinced it was the torque/flex plate issue until a month ago when the No.1 connecting rod let go. I wish I would have replaced the rods and bearings before shelling out $300 for a salvage yard motor.

 

Well maybe you should have had it looked at, at some point in time over that year lol sorry to hear abt that though. Atleast you picked a motor up for $300. Around here they are $600 to $1000!

 

I agree but I had a friend that owned a jeep and he said not to worry, it was just a bolt hitting since I'm new to the straight 6 I listened. I had to search high and low and scored one with a 6 month warranty and no core charge for 300 bucks talked the sales guy into throwing in a complete back hatch for $50. Lol gotta love Texas! BNJeepsta, not sure what the shipping cost is for parts (I think it depends on weight) but if you need parts wherever your at let me know, my lady is quite the frugal blood hound when it comes to parts for my Jeep. BTW I hope the OP gets lots of "second opinions" before hes swapping a motor too.

 

Reason for it as already stated is a great motor but crappy valves. They'll run forever with than sound

 

Well, Ill share an experience of mine from about a week ago maybe a little longer.

Started the engine up on a nice mild day. And here is this loud peck/knock (depends who ya ask) out of the blue. Wasnt doing it when I shut it off previously. Pull the valve cover and find a loose rocker arm. I remove the rocker arm and there she was a pushrod bent in the shape of an "S"! ordered a new one, put it in shes good to go. One thing I always try to remember when working on these Heeps , I meant Jeeps. KISS= keep it simple stupid. Listen to the engine, is the sound coming from up top? Is it coming from deep inside the engine. Front of the engine or towards the rear of the engine. Sometimes you need a mechanics stethoscope of a broom handle to pinpoint it. But, could save you alot of cabbage in the long run. If you suspect a rod. Drain the oil in a large clean container. Look at it in the sun light do you see sparkles or silver or copper? If copper then your bearings are on their last leg. Do that before you go pulling the engine out for an overhaul. Check those flywheel bolts also. Put it on jack stands, get under it while its running and listen to her, she will talk to ya. You just have to know what to listen for, to know what shes telling you.

 

Well put! You sir, have my respect.