Ticking noise coming from engine

[thedern]

I realize there are a lot of engine tick threads out there but I don' know enough about the 4.0L to know where to start looking and don't want to waste a ton of time on the wrong parts or system.

Issue: Consistent engine tick

Description: Engine tick seems to mirror rpm, faster tick at higher engine speed, slower tick at low engine speed. Tick is constant while the engine is running so the behavior is predictable and reproducible (in my world that is a good thing )

What i have tested: I was told it could be my AC compressor so I drove the hwy Monday and the tick seems independent of both AC being on or off as well as speed of the climate fan.

I will continue to research on my own but I wanted to post anyway. Does anyone have an idea of where to go from here? If it helps I was considering recording the sound and posting it somewhere.

 

[Chris]

Very often, this infamous ticking noise ends up being a small crack in the exhaust manifold, so I would very, very carefully inspect it.

If it's not that, usually it's the lifters.

 

[thedern]

Thanks, I will check and post what I do or don't find. The learning experience continues.

 

[Chris]

Thanks, I will check and post what I do or don't find. The learning experience continues.

Happy to help! It's got to be one of those... it always is.

 

[thedern]

heck, if it is the manifold, since I am there I may as well do that supercharger... lol

 

[Chris]

heck, if it is the manifold, since I am there I may as well do that supercharger... lol

Precisely! Now you're thinkin'!

 

[Mitch Tucker]

I had a ticking noise that comes and goes on a 4.0. I was thinking lifters not pumping up, but it was also doing it under load. Thought spark knock. Well I think I may have found it. Last owner or his mechanic broke the insulator on one plug.