Well, I'm less than 1000 mi from my next oil change so that should come quick. Probably take there of that near the end of the month. BUT, As I've said, after the tensioners were replaced on the secondaries, this issue improved. In any case I plan on putting the KJ on Mobil 1 oil/filter next change.

However, the1jferg, just for future reference, what is wrong with Purolators, particularly PurOne?? I know Penzoil isn't the best, but I was in a pinch for an oil change and had to just take care of it. I've used it in my previous cars sparingly when I've been in similar situations and have never once had a problem like this from Penzoil...it's my fallback if I'm short on cash or can't immediatly find Mobil 1 (as you mentioned parafin is no longer an issue AND it's not like this oil is the cheap stuff, Penzoil's still $4/qt)...same goes for my Purolators. I've used Purolators religiously in my old 99' WJ (4.7L). Never had this problem. Obviously it's a different engine, but whatever.

Hopefully I'll hear from the dealer today.

Just for reference, this noise appeared with under 17K miles on my KJ. At this point, the noise remains, although less noticable, with under 20K. I suppose it's not outside of the realm of possibility, but if this thing is sludged to the point it was causing this clatter, with this mileage, I would be surprised. I even brought this up with my mechanic and he mentioned that he'd be shocked if it was sludged up with this kind of mileage. But, again, I could be wrong.

Honestly I don't think there is really anything wrong with the PUROILATOR oil filter. It's much better than any fram filter. Penzoil isn't what it used to be anymore either so the oil isn't the problem and I really don't think your filter is either. I've been running Mobil1 in my Liberty and the noise is still there. It just lets me know the Jeep is running I suppose

Personally I just think these engines are noisy by design. You should hear mine at idle - a good mechanic buddy of mine teases me that I don't take care of my Jeep well enough because it sounds like a bad lifter or that it's running about 3 quarts low. Which, by the way, it isn't. I can see sludge building up in certain cases but that is what SEAFOAM is for (especially for us that live in traffic jam areas)

Here is one of the favorite links to the Oil Filter comparison: Click for Link We've all seen this but it's worthy of a repost as we move towards the OF and Syn Oil discussions.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

well my noises started at 1500 miles so we no my noises aren't sludge related. i have also tried every oil and filter combo known and nothing makes a difference.
also on mine, it is not a upper end noise (valves) it is a low end knock that sounds like a diesel.

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki

Just realized that I don't remember mentioning this, my clatter is definitely lower-end as well.

Well,

That makes a diff.

If it ain't in the heads then work your way down.

Put a broom stick to your ear and follow the sound till you isolate it.

FWIW, my '07 (~2500 mi on it now) has had a diesel-like lower end clatter since new.

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2007 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 with steelies!
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4x4
1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula

Yeah....sorry. I guess I should have made that clear to begin with.

Honestly, there's not enough time to do that now. Like I said, it disappears too quickly. A month or so ago, before the tensioners were replaced, I definitely could have done that. But, I think the dealer may be getting close. It's just very frustrating having to go back 4-5 times with minimal results. Fingers crossed.

Well, it's been several months...so I figured I'd update this old thread since a few people were interested in the outcome. Unfortunatly it's taken a while to get back to this. This may be a bit long...

I suppose I'll start with the stealership and Chrysler. Terrible. Just terrible. There's no other way to describe the level of customer service that I received for this. Apparently, the stealership has been told by Chrysler to perform no further service with regards to this issue. It has been determined to be inherent to the engine...there's no problem. So, they won't even look at it anymore, period.

Now, I don't necessarily have an issue with this...but, if that's going to be the diagnosis you need to put your money where you mouth is...I requested that the powertrain be extended out and beyond the 7/70 and that the deductible waived. And this is where Chrysler comes in...the service rep that got assigned to me and my case that I had been working with for MONTHS stopped calling me back. I've called this guy 3-4 times since I got my car back in July with zero call-back. I've called and asked for his supervisor...no call back. I finally called and left a message to the effect of...

"I'm finished...please don't call me back...the customer service has been retched and you and the company you work for should be embarrassed. I was considering one of your extended warranties...that's not going to happen considering any future issues I encounter probably won't be resolved. And, my request to have the powertrain warranty extended can be disregarded for reasons already sited and discussed. I'll be going with something aftermarket where I can utilize an honest mechanic for my inevitable repairs. Thanks for treating a loyal customer of Chrysler like trash...I've learned a lesson that I won't soon forget."

So, I was just generally mouthy and let 'em have it for a few minutes.

But, on the the issue. The temps here in Michigan are falling rather quickly. We're into the thirties here at night and in the early morning. The past two days, it's just been downright freezing in the morning. Shockingly enough, the clatter has seemed to lessen and even dissappear as the temps have fallen. Go figure. Now, I'm just speculating, but, it seems as the temp falls the engine will cool quicker and the oil will be a bit thicker and perhaps not drain back as much??? Just a thought. So, one step further...once it warms up outside...go with 10W30??? It's a little thicker when the engine is cool, but identical once at operating temp. Any additional suggestions would be much appreciated. As of now, I give up with Chrysler and will probably be warranting my car through Warranty Direct or something similar.

Just a word of caution on any warrenty company besides the original manufacturer is a total ripoff and scam.You'll pay big $$$$ but never get anything covered.You have to pay all repaires up front then summit a claim to be reinbersed but they will always find a loophole so as not to pay.Just plain and simple they aftermarket warrenties are a total ripoff,stay away from them.My 2 cents.

Actually, Warranty Direct is the only one that you don't have to pay up front....which is probably why they're so highly regarded. The claim is verified prior to repair. You never ever pay out of pocket...except when you buy the warranty. My wife has an ext warranty from Warranty Direct on her Focus...we've never had to pay anything. We bought the coverage right when she bought the car and it kicked in right after the Ford warranty expired...everything has been a breeze. Our mechanic accepts it and he gets paid immediately with a simple call to Warranty Direct...they give him a credit card # or something to charge. I really have nothing but good things to say about these guys...

For sure, there are a lot of scammers out there. These guys are legit.

That said, I still don't even know if I'm going to bother.

i believe it is a normal noise as alot of other kj's exhibit the same symtom with no ill effects (i got oil sample tests to prove it). also mine dramaticly lessons when it is really cold out! mine is worst when started first thing in the morning in the summer! mike

p.s. when my 3/36 warranty is up i will not get a 3rd party warranty! i feel confident enough about my particular kj were i feel i don't need it! mike

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki

Stupid questions:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but '05+ KJ's with the 3.7 ALL spec 5w20, yes? Also, have the lower end engine tolerances changed at all from '02-07? I run 10w30 in the summer in my '02 and 5w30 in the winter (the first number is cold viscosity, 2nd number is hot viscosity..the lower first number helps oil flow on startup)

I know the '05+ Grands and Commies take 5w30 in the 3.7, so what gives?

I'm wondering if the 20wt is just too thin for the 3.7, and if it should instead be 5w30.

All I really know is that I've never heard a knock in my KJ, or any other 3.7/4.7 that I've noticed...just thought I'd throw that out there.

my 06 states 5w-30 on the oil cap and in the owners manual. just fyi. and that is what i am running. mike

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki

Is it just on idle and goes away when accelerating? Joe

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Joe
L.O.S.T. #000391
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport with hooks, skids, trac-lok rear.

Weird, maybe it's only the '07s that ask for 5w20

08's ask for 5w20 also

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2008 KK Liberty Sport NIGHT OPS EDITION + GILLS
OEM & Custom Skids - Factory Tow Package - Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
Prototype JBA 4 Inch Lift - JBA UCA's - Flowmaster Super 44 OR - Whacked Resonator
Jet Stage 2 - RL Gecko Basket Rack - Custom Winch Bumper - Recon 10.5K Winch

Sounds identical to what I'm hearing. I'll be running some analysis this weekend and sending it out to Blackstone Labs....hope everything comes back normal.

Yeah...I'm just about convinced this is just a degree of drain-back. Why some 3.7s drain back and others don't was my complaint. My friends KJ has none of this...zero...we started a few at the dealer and none did it. But, as I've said...I'm done worrying about it. I'm gonna try running some 10W-30 in the summer and see if it doesn't clear up...if it doesn't clear up, then so be it...I'll never go any heavier than 10W, even in the summer....just to clear up some noise. Hopefully it does the trick.

This noise only occurs when the car is first started or after sitting for several hours. It disappears after a few seconds. Most apparent when it's warmer outside. Lessens dramatically/disappears when cold (it didn't do it this morning...32 degrees out).

let us know your results! mine came back with high molybendum (sp) but the lab said all is normal. the mollywhatever was just the motor breaking in. evidently it was a coating on the bearings from the factory that wears off during break in(under 20,000 miles). every thing else was way below the limit (woot woot). mike

p.s. i have two kjs at my work that don't make the noise(05 and a 02) but have heard alot that do! mike

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki