97 TJ motor knocking, need some help

Tradarcher

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Creedmoor, NC
Got a 97 TJ with 4.0 with 143k. Oil pressure is 40-60. I have a knock that one mechanic said soundly like it was deep. The only thing I have tried so far is an oil change to 5w30 and a half can of Seafoam in the crankcase. Didn't loosen anything up. Any way to confirm it is rod knock? Where else should I look?

If I have to do a motor then what's the best option? I do want to keep this Jeep indefinitely so I am thinking crate motor as opposed to a rebuild or used. If I consider a rebuild I might want to do a stroker.

I would like to use a mechanic in the triangle area that has extensive experience doing the install that would assist in any warranty issues I might have with a crate and/or would stand behind their work if I went with the rebuild. Any recommendations?

Also, would love an auto. Doing the AW4 at the same time would be a bonus.
 
When the motor in my truck started knocking, it was only a short time until I lost all oil pressure and did some damage in the two seconds it took me to shut it off. Just keep that in mind. I had my motor rebuilt and I think it saved me some money in the long run, because some items were able to be reused.

If my 4.0 had died, I would certainly have stroked it, really no reason not to if you are going to have to be tearing it down that far to rebuild it anyway.

If you have to rebuild, I used Newcomer Racing in Charlotte for my rebuild, and would recommend Keith.
 
sounds like it's a little late for this, but I've always had good luck with 10w-30 in 4.0's and 15w-40 in high mileage ones. the thicker oil may Band-Aid it for a bit, but if it's going, then it's going to go...maybe time for a crank kit at the least
 
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