Hi folks - hopefully someone will have an idea what my problem is with my Jeep. It is a 97 GC with about 135k miles on it - very good condition until this problem arose. Recently I have noticed it doesn't have the power it used to have, specifically when I step on the gas - like to pass someone or to get more power going up a hill. It seems to struggle and shift into a lower gear, but doesn't gain power or speed at that point - it actually seems to lose a little speed and something sort of clatters a little bit. On a straight highway I can gradually gain speed and not feel like it is weak, or like anything is wrong - it is just when I step on it for a more powerful acceleration. Is this sounding like anything specific to anyone? This started in the last couple of weeks when we were on vacation and had the jeep totally packed and loaded down with camping gear, full ice chests, heavy suitcases, etc. Seemed like a heavy load to me. Related, or unrelated?

Also, maybe related or maybe not, for about a year there has been a noise that has gradually gotten louder. It sounds like a pebble rattling around in a metal can. The noise is coming from underneath the Jeep, sort of in the center, it sounds like. When it first started it was just every once in a while, now it is present almost all the time when idling. Very noise when idling - but goes away with acceleration, sitting still in gear or in park, or when moving,. When I am sitting still it is very, very noisy. My daughter doesn't want me to drop her off in front of the school where everyone will hear it! :) Any ideas on either problem?

Thanks!

Teresa

Sounds like a possible plugged catalytic converter or plugged exhaust.

If it is the converter, it has likely broken up inside and that is the rattle you hear. It would also be the cause of the restriction causing lack of power.

JD

I think the CLATTERING your hearing when accelerating is probably pinging. I have this same problem in my 94 5.2L, I still haven't found a cure for it. I was using 87 octane and started using 93 octane it helped but the CLATTER was still present (not as loud tho) so I went with 89 Octance still has the little bit of pinging like the 93 did, so I stuck with it.

Sounds like a possible plugged catalytic converter or plugged exhaust.

If it is the converter, it has likely broken up inside and that is the rattle you hear. It would also be the cause of the restriction causing lack of power.

JD

Thanks for your reply - is the catalytic converter or exhaust problem easy/quick to diagnose? What about the repair - does it take long and is it expensive? We are going on vacation Friday - is there danger in continuing to drive it for a couple of weeks if that were to be the problem, or would we be in danger of something going out while and stranding us? I really don't know much about this stuff, and my husband is not mechanically inclined - we always leave the big stuff for the mechanics at the garage to do.

I think the CLATTERING your hearing when accelerating is probably pinging. I have this same problem in my 94 5.2L, I still haven't found a cure for it. I was using 87 octane and started using 93 octane it helped but the CLATTER was still present (not as loud tho) so I went with 89 Octance still has the little bit of pinging like the 93 did, so I stuck with it.


I thought it was the gas at first, although I always use the same gas. I filled up with the good stuff and have been using it ever since the first time I heard the clatter, but it hasn't changed. I wonder if it is connected to whatever the other problem is.

Thanks for your reply - is the catalytic converter or exhaust problem easy/quick to diagnose? What about the repair - does it take long and is it expensive? We are going on vacation Friday - is there danger in continuing to drive it for a couple of weeks if that were to be the problem, or would we be in danger of something going out while and stranding us? I really don't know much about this stuff, and my husband is not mechanically inclined - we always leave the big stuff for the mechanics at the garage to do.

Had a Dodge dakota with a bad converter. It wouldn't pull itself up and over a railway crossing - sometimes--- Just depended on how the loose pieces stuck.

If you leave it, there is a risk of burning the valves and damaging pistons- depending on the severity of the plugging.

A good technician can do a test involving the temp before and after the converter to determine the possible problem.

A new converter will cost from about $150 and up. Lots more if you use the factory replacement.

Most of the problem in the short term is the annoyance of the lack of power.


JD

I guess I better get it checked before we go then - I don't want to make the problem worse by waiting too long. I guess replacing that would be a job for the mechanic? Or is it a do-it-yourself job? My husband does the brakes and has replaced the water pump, but beyond that he doesn't have any mechanical experience. If it were something you could see and just take the old off and stick on the new, he could probably do that - is it a bigger job than that?

Had a Dodge dakota with a bad converter. It wouldn't pull itself up and over a railway crossing - sometimes--- Just depended on how the loose pieces stuck.

If you leave it, there is a risk of burning the valves and damaging pistons- depending on the severity of the plugging.

A good technician can do a test involving the temp before and after the converter to determine the possible problem.

A new converter will cost from about $150 and up. Lots more if you use the factory replacement.

Most of the problem in the short term is the annoyance of the lack of power.


JD

If you were really, really sure that it was the converter and you bought the factory replacement from the dealer it might be as simple an R&R as you can get BUT - you should really have an hands on diagnosis to make sure as this is only what comes to my mind when you describe what it's doing and I've been known to be wrong before.

Many aftermarket converters are installed by welding or clamping them like a muffler. most factory ones a flange mount that bolts in....

Your husband would have to take a look and see if it is something he would like to take on.

All I'm saying is this is something to look at - a place to start.......


I guess I better get it checked before we go then - I don't want to make the problem worse by waiting too long. I guess replacing that would be a job for the mechanic? Or is it a do-it-yourself job? My husband does the brakes and has replaced the water pump, but beyond that he doesn't have any mechanical experience. If it were something you could see and just take the old off and stick on the new, he could probably do that - is it a bigger job than that?