I figured I should update the thread. I changed the oil over the weekend...5W-30 Pennzoil Truck Blend with a Purolator Pure One filter. As I expected, the problem persists. No worse, but no better. My mechanic has agreed to take a look at it and do a write-up for the stealer of his findings. When i spoke with him, he mentioned that he has worked on Libertys in the past that have had similar issues to what I've described and he traced this type of noise back to timing chain issues/possible tensioner problem. He said that the oil pump may be another as well as lifters...obviously he needs to hear the noise first. I'll let you guys know what he says.

It seems as if I'm on the track to resolution, but the dismissive attitude of the stealerships is really dissappointing and irritating. My intention is to call Chrylser after I hear from my mechanic and get a quote/write-up. I should know on Friday.

Again, thanks for all the input.

i really is not a problem. i have heard most 3.7l exhibit the diesel noise while cold for a minute. ipersonally think it is piston slap. mine has been doing it since day one and i just got an oil test result back and every thing is perfect with no wear on the motor. mike

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki

Good Luck with your mechanic! I'm sure he'll be able to figure out the source of the tick-tick

As an aside, tjkj mentioned it also, my Liberty has made engine noise from the very first day i bought it up until now. The noise doesn't get any worse - it's just a vocal Jeep. With fresh oil, it'll quiet down some but once everything is warmed up again my engine likes to keep me informed that it's running while I sit at the traffic lights on Woodward Ave.

If your Liberty is still under the 3/36 warranty take it into a different dealership and have them look at it for you. It never jurts to get a second opinion and have your information stored in the Chrysler system for future reference.

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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

Yeah...If my mechanic blows me off, then I give up.

Problem with going back to the stealer is it would be like the 3rd time...very tiresome. If my mechanic says there's a prob, identifies it, and says it needs to be fixed...I'll be calling Chrysler and having them set something up...basically, I would have had two dealers lie to me at that point. That's always worked for me in the past...when I can't get something done at a stealer...I call cust service and it gets done. Hope it works again.

Well, my mechanic said that something is definitly not right. He said that piston slap is a possibility...although, without opening her up, he can't say for sure what the noise is. BUT, I have his blessing and encouragement to take it to the dealer and get it fixed. SO, I'm not crazy...as I'm sure the dealer thinks.

I called Chrysler on Friday and they set me up with a dealer to take the car to. They basically told the dealer to fix whatever the problem is. They claim to have a regional service rep looking over/into this. They were very responsive and apologetic on the phone...I guess that's probably standard to anyone calling. But, I feel like I've actually made some progress on getting this corrected.

I'll update again once the stealer calls and let's me know the course of action they're going to take.

Well at least you know there is a problem... Hopefully you get a seasoned tech that can accurately work out and correct the issue. Good luck and keep us posted!

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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

Thats exactly what it is Piston Slap. Mine does it. Started at about 35000 miles and been doing it since. It is actually a pretty common problem in todays engines. Manufactures are using lighter alloys for pistons and rods and such, these parts are very susceptible to expansion and contraction. Thats why it goes away after it is warmed up.

If it were a problem w/ the top end of the motor it would make the sound at half the engines speed. The cams turn slower than the crank. So I would not worry about it too much. Drive it like you stole it (after it warms up). Hope this helps.

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Doug

Nothing insightful
02 KJ Sport, Franken lifted, 245/75/16 MTR on Rubis, skids and sliders, and a bunch of other stuff I can't remember.

I would really recommend you change the filter with a Wix, Baldwin, Napa Gold, OEM or other QUALITY filter. I have had cheap filters do just what you explain.

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Feb/2006 Silver Sport 4x4 CRD

I'm using a Purolator PureOne...still making the noise.

It's still at the stealer. I had to go over there last night and point the noise out to them b/c they STILL acted like they couldn't hear it. Basically grabbed the service rep and two techs...oh boy, what do ya know...it's making the noise...what a surprise. I'm not full of sh*t. Even went as far as to have them cold start another Liberty to compare...at that point it was fairly obvious to them. Essentially told them that next time I have to come here better be to pick my REPAIRED vehicle up. All I can do is hope that I've made my point. At least I know that they can't call me and tell me they can't hear anything again.

That was probably the best thing you could have done with the techs... Hopefully your next update will be a story of how the dealer fixed your problem and you're out using the Liberty full time again.

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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

Amen to that.

Well, looks like problem solved...for now. Several relatively cold starts today and thus far it sounds like a normal engine. No noticeable clatter. I'm definitly going to be watching it very closely for the next few days. But, again, so far so good.

As far as the work done, the tech replaced all the tensioners on the secondary timing chain on the left and right sides of the engine. That's pretty much it. Other than that, he said the engine sounds and looks great.

So, there ya have it. Thanks again everyone, for the help and advice.

-Nick

interesting outcome? do both secondary chains rely on oil pressure for the tensioners? mike

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06 kj 3.7 nsg 370 np 241 dark khaki

Yes, both rely on oil pressure. At least that's what the engine tech told me.

So, now on to saturday and it's still not doing anything abnormal. Seems to be working.

-Nick