Changed out push rods and my 1998 jeep is still making a knock/ticking noise in engine

[Migeepgirl]

Hello group,

Ian needing some guidance on repairs for my 1998 jeep Cherokee limited 4.0 6 cylinder. The cars has been making a ticking/ knocking noise in the engine. I was told that it was a push rod issue. So we changed out the push rods and the same noise still exist. I'm now being told maybe lifter or value. Does anyone here.. Ever experience this issue? I'm tired of the guessing game and just putting parts on the vehicle when it's not needed. I don't want to drive vehicle in fear of hurting engine. It's been sitting for 4 mo. It has 240,000 miles on it. Lots of work has been performed. Have been good about oil changes and over all maintenance. I'm told most jeeps make engine noise but this noise appeared 4 mo and when I went to leave for the day, it was making this noise. I've tried the old sea foam product. No change after using.I'm told that maybe I should scrap the car and just buy a new vehicle, but it has been a good vehicle and I can't purchase a car until spring of 2016. I will fix vehicle because I need it for the winter but if I'm looking at another costly repair then I guess I'll scrap��. Bought car new. No other owner.

[rhandwor]

I would go to a parts store and get a bottle of oil additive to free sticking lifters. A common problem with many vehicles. Go to Auto Zone or Advance and get a loaner oil pressure gauge and check oil pressure.

[MikeCStig]

I would say the lifter issue is a strong possibility. Maybe you did have a bad pushrod and it did something to one of the lifters. With that much mileage it could be a number of valvetrain related issues. Definitely don't push your engine too hard. If something inside is sub- par, heavy acceleration and high revs will definitely be risky.

[fredjacksonsan]

My '04 Grand Cherokee had a bit of a lifter tick after about 125k which went away once it was warm. I've heard of other 4.0s having a tick for a very long time with no ill effects.

In your place I'd have the oil tested at the next change to make sure there is no coolant in it....if there is, it could be the head gasket or the 0331 head (do a google search, basically inferior metal was used on some of the 4.0 heads stamped 0331, and it allows microcracks that let coolant seep out).

If there's no coolant in the oil and it doesn't use any oil or coolant, then I would just drive it and keep up on the maintenance. No sense throwing a bunch of parts at it.