TJ Headaches

[K_Dom]

I recently had my head replaced (0331 casting). Afterwards I developed a ticking and had some oil pressure issues. Figured the ticking was a lifter. Went to start it on Thursday and it would crank but not start. Pulled the codes and had a P0340 code for cam sensor. Pulled the sensor and it looked fine. Pulled the cam synchronizer and the teeth had a chunk missing. I was able to fish the chunks out with a magnet. Replaced the can synchro and sensor and it fired right up. Shortly after I had zero oil pressure. I suspected the oil pump failed. Pulled the cam synchro and sure enough, the ears snapped off the oil pump so the cam synchro wasn't driving the pump. It seems every one step forward I take, I have to take 10 steps back. But, I am learning a lot about this Jeep. But anyways, how bad is it actually dropping the oil pan and changing the pump? I tried disconnecting the down pipe to manifold bolts. 3 of the 4 are just spinning so that should be fun. Luckily this isn't a daily driver although I wish I could drive it daily. Sorry about the long post. Had to vent some but also looking for some inputs from everyone.

 

[UKTJ]

I recently had my head replaced…

Modern medicine, absolutely bloody amazing!

 

[TJ Jim]

Biggest pain is dropping the exhaust. I pulled the fender off which made access MUCH easier. Just time consuming. Grab a beer, relax and enjoy the peace.

 

[CharlesHS]

When the oil pump stops working due to drive problems; there may be other problems to watch out for.
When you drain the oil look for silver sparklies or debris in the oil pan.
Might be a good idea to remove and inspect a couple of the crank shaft bearings.

 

[K_Dom]

When the oil pump stops working due to drive problems; there may be other problems to watch out for.
When you drain the oil look for silver sparklies or debris in the oil pan.
Might be a good idea to remove and inspect a couple of the crank shaft bearings.

Thanks. I’ll look for that.

 

[K_Dom]

This passed weekend I was able to work on my Jeep. I drained the oil and didn't look sparkly. Dropping the oil pan wasn't that bad. With the help of vice grips and a cordless impact, I was able to remove the exhaust down pipe bolts. To make removing the oil pan easier, I ended up cutting the exhaust pipe forward of the cat with a sawzall. That made it real easy to drop the pan. Got the pan out, cleaned the sludge, and the mating surfaces. After that, I changed the oil pump. Getting the new pickup tube in the pump was a challenge. I ended up using an open end wrench on the pickup tube and using a dead blow hammer to pound it into the pump. Put RTV on the front and rear spots called out in the service manual, installed a new pan gasket and torqued the pan down. No issues there. Next I filled her up with oil and a bottle of Rislone. I then primed the oil pump. I removed the oil pressure sensor and installed a pressure gauge. I cut the handle off a screwdriver that I used in a drill to turn the oil pump. After about a minute, to minute and a half, I had good oil pressure so I knew it was primed. After that, I set the engine to #1 top dead center and installed a new cam synchronizer and sensor. I tack welded the exhaust and installed a band clamp. Buttoned everything up and gave it all a once over. The engine fired right up. Had better oil pressure then I did previously. There was still a lifter tick. Drove it on a few test runs over a few days and the tick got quieter. Last night I started it up, no tick. This morning I drove it to work and ran very smooth and quiet. I couldn't be happier. Overall wasn't too bad of a job and learned some more about the Jeep. Not sure if the Rislone helped the lifter tick but it's gone now so I will use it again. A little long winded but maybe all of this will help someone in the future.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Good job man, we need more capable guys like you here!! And a big welcome to WTF!

 

[K_Dom]

Good job man, we need more capable guys like you here!! And a big welcome to WTF!

Thanks. Yeah I'm sure I will have plenty more to keep me busy. But like my wife always reminds me....you wanted a project, well you have a project now. Don't complain.

 

[Zorba]

Thanks. Yeah I'm sure I will have plenty more to keep me busy. But like my wife always reminds me....you wanted a project, well you have a project now. Don't complain.

Funny thing, that. My wife says the EXACT same thing! Every time I cuss that Jeep...

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I fixed my Jeep
Its as good as ne...

WHAT NOW?