Valve/Lifter tap?
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Valve/Lifter tap?
I searched posts and most are dated back before i2010 and nothing I found sounds similar to my issue. I have a 2008 JKUS with 38K miles. Don't use it very often - obviously. I started my Jeep the other day and holy guacamole, it sounded like I had a bad valve tap or cracked manifold. The ticking was very noticeable. It seems to quiet down after it warms up for a few minutes, and don't hear it after I start driving - only at cold startup. I therefore dismiss the idea it's a manifold / exhaust issue, but am now thinking its a lifter or valve tap in dire need of a hydraulic rinse. I just changed my oil and added STP oil treatment - thick honey-like goop but it still makes the same tapping sound. Anyone else have this exact issue? What is it ? How to fix? I absolutely hate the sound, but also hope it's not a big problem. I do have a lifetime warranty on drivetrain so it should be covered if an issue. The Jeep is well maintained and never been off-road or stressed. Thanks
#2
Defiantly sounds like you need a valve adjustment. Or something wrong with rocker arm. But with low mileage you shouldnt even be close to valve adjustment. But it is a Chrysler anything can happen..
Get it checked out if you have a warranty.
Get it checked out if you have a warranty.
#4
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Thanks guys. I do use 5W-20 as per the owner manual. I will call to make an appointment with dealer. They usually operate with a 2 week lead time so it will be a couple of weeks before I know what the issue is.
#5
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Apr 2012
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Guys the lifters are hydraulic!! There's no way your going to be able to do a valve adjustment because there's no lash between the lifters and valves. The tapping on start up is because a couple of lifters are being compressed the entire time the engine is turned off. When the lifter is compressed it pumps out all the oil of the lifter. Then when you start it back up it has to refill with oil and that's when the tapping goes away. If you take your jeep to the dealership and ask for a valve adjustment they will take your money and fix nothing. I guess it is possible you might have bad lifters but thats a rarity.
#6
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Guys the lifters are hydraulic!! There's no way your going to be able to do a valve adjustment because there's no lash between the lifters and valves. The tapping on start up is because a couple of lifters are being compressed the entire time the engine is turned off. When the lifter is compressed it pumps out all the oil of the lifter. Then when you start it back up it has to refill with oil and that's when the tapping goes away. If you take your jeep to the dealership and ask for a valve adjustment they will take your money and fix nothing. I guess it is possible you might have bad lifters but thats a rarity.
Jnorman831 - thanks for the info. I never had a tap before so something must've changed.
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#9
Former Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
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You old 'vette guys are talking apples to oranges engines. Yah things have changed since the old days. Haven't had to change out plugs/cap/rotor/condenser on my '08 yet....Yah it ticks on start-up...END OF THE WORLD as we know it
Lots of folks these days are worried about noises that mean nothing except normal operation. If it breaks then fix it.
Lots of folks these days are worried about noises that mean nothing except normal operation. If it breaks then fix it.
#10
JK Super Freak
Guys the lifters are hydraulic!! There's no way your going to be able to do a valve adjustment because there's no lash between the lifters and valves. The tapping on start up is because a couple of lifters are being compressed the entire time the engine is turned off. When the lifter is compressed it pumps out all the oil of the lifter. Then when you start it back up it has to refill with oil and that's when the tapping goes away. If you take your jeep to the dealership and ask for a valve adjustment they will take your money and fix nothing. I guess it is possible you might have bad lifters but thats a rarity.