I just bought a used '96 GC with the 5.2L V8 going on 133,000 miles. This afternoon after running fine all morning, it developed a ticking noise and i lost a lot of power (engine sounds strained). I managed to drive it for about a 4 miles back home when it started (i was on the highway) and whilst pulling into the last 100 or so yards it had trouble climbing our (not very steep) driveway. The most recent work done on the car was a radiator replacement about a week ago and i've barely had the car for 3 weeks :(. The onboard computer is not reporting any error conditions, but clearly there is a problem and i'm not sure where to start. Please help!

the ticking noise sounds like it may be the lifter chattering, check the engine oil - make sure it is up to level. if it is then it might be a bent push rod, or the Oil pump is bad or clogged. to check the Oil Pump, disconnect the ignition coil and pull one of the valve covers off and have someone crank the jeep (this will be messy) and oil should spray out if u have little or not oil then it is most likely a bad oil pump or clogged oil pump.

Thanks for the reply, a bit more information, i filled up with 86 Octane (manual recommends 87 or higher) and looking at the guage it's roughly at the point where the previous fuel may have run out. It's currently running very rough, i'm not that good at automotive repair unfortunately, but i'll try your suggestions. Thanks!

did the ticking noise start after u refilled with the 86 Octane?

did the ticking noise start after u refilled with the 86 Octane?

Yes, my tank was about quarter full and i filled it with 86 octane to the halfway mark, then when the tank hit approximately quarter full again (highway driving at 65mph) it started chattering and ticking.

this might be just piston slap, drain the tank or let it complete run out, adn refill with recommended fuel, and c if the ticking still exist, let me know.

Joe dksob81@hotmail.com

this might be just piston slap, drain the tank or let it complete run out, adn refill with recommended fuel, and c if the ticking still exist, let me know.

Joe dksob81@hotmail.com

Thanks for the help and suggestions, i went back during lunch to check it out and it's much worse, so i had a mechanic come by and listen to it and he said that a piston is gone and i'm looking at a new engine :( I'm within the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance warranty period and plan on returning the car.

Ain't these related links just a hoot!!!

Imagine sound control and sound proofing to cure an engine knock - good one AF

JD