clacking noise in engine

When I start up my cherokee i get a instant noise of a clacking sound, almost as if the lifters are clacking. Very quickly, the engine will rev up and come rev down to idle the noise goes away (almost as if once the oil starts circulating the noise subsides). What could be my problem, Oil Pump, Lifters, other????? Any help would be appreciated! BTW I have a 92 cherokee with a straight 6 in it

Are you listening withthe hood open or closed? Are you in the car or in front?

I ask because my 88 does essentially the same thing. But my clacking is a combo of my lifters and injectors. I really only notice it with the hood up and I'm next to the engine. It's runs fine.

When was the last time you did an oil/filter change? What weight oil do you use?

Hood Closed with me in the car, it only happens maybe a maximum 10 seconds at start up. 5W30 Oil is used and the oil is changed at regular intervals of 3000 miles


Are you listening withthe hood open or closed? Are you in the car or in front?

I ask because my 88 does essentially the same thing. But my clacking is a combo of my lifters and injectors. I really only notice it with the hood up and I'm next to the engine. It's runs fine.

When was the last time you did an oil/filter change? What weight oil do you use?

Sounds like a sticky lifter.

Hood Closed with me in the car, it only happens maybe a maximum 10 seconds at start up. 5W30 Oil is used and the oil is changed at regular intervals of 3000 miles

Try using Castrol GTX 10-40....and a Fram filter and then let us know...

[QUOTE=galea_joe]When I start up my cherokee i get a instant noise of a clacking sound, almost as if the lifters are clacking.

It could be a combination of oil relatd items, but start simple first. Take your Cherokee to a shop that has a good internal engine cleansing treatment and clean it out. After that install a 20w/50 or just a straight 30w oil and the proper oil filter. I think the oil you are using may be the wrong viscosity for an older engine. It's also extremely important to use the proper oil filter designed for the 4.0L engine.

If after that work you still have the noise. Then start thinking about turning the radio up louder. My 1994 ran for years with that start up noise and had no problems. Or you could do a top end engine overhaul and if it is a 1992 it's probably due for one.

I just had to have my 88 cherokee rebuilt. I had the very same noise turns out it was a main bering worn out and I had a wrist pin slapping. drive it easy untill you look at it or have a good mech. look at it. oh and my total mileage was 213000 miles

Try to check your engine valve clearance. Or just take it to the mechanic. Maybe it would need only a tune-up.

Try to check your engine valve clearance. Or just take it to the mechanic. Maybe it would need only a tune-up.

Welcome to AF.

Please pay attention to the posting dates. This thread is over 5 years old.

o oh. sorry sir. i was sleepy when i read this post. thanks for reminding.

I own a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee and lately have noticed a clacking sound in the engine a couple of seconds after starting the engine cold, this sound disappears when the RPM is raised but is loudest when the engine idles. I had the crank shaft bearings checked and they were fine, I also had the push rods changed but the sound still persists. I'm beginning to suspect an oil circulation problem, does anybody have an idea of what the problem may be? I'm desperate!!!!

Sounds like lifters to me. Does the noise go away once it is warm? What is the temperature there and what oil are you using?

(Also, please check the dates on threads prior to posting as you usually get a better response)