PLEASE HELP - Loud Engine Tapping when cold 02' KJ Sport

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:21 pm

HELP!!!!!!

I have a '02 KJ Sport with the 3.7 V6 and the 4spd automatic. When I start the engine in the morning after it sits overnight outside, the engine has a very loud tapping, sort of like there is no oil in the top of the motor. Has anyone else experienced this problem and does anyone have a solution??????????

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:58 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

HELP!!!!!!

I have a '02 KJ Sport with the 3.7 V6 and the 4spd automatic. When I start the engine in the morning after it sits overnight outside, the engine has a very loud tapping, sort of like there is no oil in the top of the motor. Has anyone else experienced this problem and does anyone have a solution??????????

That is because there is no oil at the top of the motor when you start it up. A good fix would be to (A) Switch to a heavier weight of oil during the cold months or (B) Get some slick 50 and put some in with your oil. This stuff is like syrup and will stick to all of your parts. I only use synthetic and it binds to the parts better.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:01 pm

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) wrote:

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

HELP!!!!!!

I have a '02 KJ Sport with the 3.7 V6 and the 4spd automatic. When I start the engine in the morning after it sits overnight outside, the engine has a very loud tapping, sort of like there is no oil in the top of the motor. Has anyone else experienced this problem and does anyone have a solution??????????

That is because there is no oil at the top of the motor when you start it up. A good fix would be to (A) Switch to a heavier weight of oil during the cold months or (B) Get some slick 50 and put some in with your oil. This stuff is like syrup and will stick to all of your parts. I only use synthetic and it binds to the parts better.

Me too...I only use Mobil 1 synth...and use Slick 50 in my old 4banger dd...

Mango~Ridge · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:28 pm

Sounds like a bad lifter. It will need to be replaced. Different oil will help for a while. That bites.

2003KJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:31 pm

well not necessarily a bad lifter. All engines are gonna knock a bit first thing in the morning. All the oil has a chance to settle down to the bottom of the pan over night, and it takes a few seconds of running to get it all pumped back up to where it needs to be. Mine will knock on a cold start up....which is why I give it a good 20-30 seconds (longer if its colder) to run in the mornings, even though mine stays in a garage all night.

jdumont · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:46 pm

Another happy Mobile 1 syn user here.....Only $20 at Walmart for 5qt...

raceinfan · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:02 pm

I also only use Mobile 1 syn in both my KJ's & no problems

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:15 pm

Thanks guys for your input on my tapping problem. I think I'm gonna take your advice and try some slick 50.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:25 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

Thanks guys for your input on my tapping problem. I think I'm gonna take your advice and try some slick 50.

Snake oil. Save your money for some good Synthetic oil. Mobil 1 here since new, no problems.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:31 pm

READ ABOUT SNAKE OIL
READ MORE ABOUT SNAKE OIL

Notice they don't make those claims anymore. Search and you can find similar info about lots of useless items, like Splitfire spark plugs (JUNK)

:wink:

Loopkey · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:42 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

HELP!!!!!!

I have a '02 KJ Sport with the 3.7 V6 and the 4spd automatic. When I start the engine in the morning after it sits overnight outside, the engine has a very loud tapping, sort of like there is no oil in the top of the motor. Has anyone else experienced this problem and does anyone have a solution??????????

THE EVAP solenoid may also be responsible for the tapping noise. The same thing happens to mine when it is cold out. Here is the description from the Service manual:

EVAP/PURGE SOLENOID DESCRIPTION
The duty cycle EVAP canister purge solenoid (DCP)
is located in the engine compartment. It is attached
to a bracket located between the battery and the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). The EVAP system
test port is located near the solenoid.
OPERATION
The duty cycle EVAP canister purge solenoid (DCP)
regulates the rate of vapor flow from the EVAP canister
to the intake manifold. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) operates the solenoid.
During the cold start warm-up period and the hot
start time delay, the PCM does not energize the solenoid.
When de-energized, no vapors are purged. The
PCM de-energizes the solenoid during open loop operation.
The engine enters closed loop operation after it
reaches a specified temperature and the time delay
ends. During closed loop operation, the PCM cycles
(energizes and de-energizes) the solenoid 5 or 10
times per second, depending upon operating conditions.
The PCM varies the vapor flow rate by changing
solenoid pulse width. Pulse width is the amount
of time that the solenoid is energized. The PCM
adjusts solenoid pulse width based on engine operating
condition.

If you want to check it for yourself, the EVAP canister is beside the battery.

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:34 pm

Quote:

(A) Switch to a heavier weight of oil during the cold months or (B) Get some slick 50 and put some in with your oil. This stuff is like syrup and will stick to all of your parts. I only use synthetic and it binds to the parts better.

Not to nit pick and its probably what you meant, but you should use a lighter weight oil in colder weather. Heavier oils flow slower when colder.

LIKJOWNER · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:25 am **Posts:** 26

I heard of an old mechanics trick when you have a sticky lifter, add a pint (8oz.) of ATF to the crankcase and it should help clean up the sludge or blockage of oil getting to the lifter. How many miles do you have on you KJ? I also have an 02 with 98K and so far its been pretty quite, a very slight knock at cold start up when I don't let it warm up and get into it when its cold, other wise no other engine noise.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:25 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

READ ABOUT SNAKE OIL
READ MORE ABOUT SNAKE OIL

Notice they don't make those claims anymore. Search and you can find similar info about lots of useless items, like Splitfire spark plugs (JUNK)

:wink:

From what i read, all the FTC was saying is that they are misrepresenting "...that auto engines generally have little or no protection from wear without Slick 50", and "tests do not prove that Slick 50 reduces engine wear at start up, or by 50%, or that one treatment reduces engine wear for 50,000 miles."

That doesn't mean that it's not helpful, just doesnt ido what they were directly advertising.

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:42 pm

DaveKJ02 wrote:

Quote:

(A) Switch to a heavier weight of oil during the cold months or (B) Get some slick 50 and put some in with your oil. This stuff is like syrup and will stick to all of your parts. I only use synthetic and it binds to the parts better.

Not to nit pick and its probably what you meant, but you should use a lighter weight oil in colder weather. Heavier oils flow slower when colder.

Oops, Brain Fart

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 3:06 pm

Don't waste your money on oil additives. You can go to www.bobistheoilguy.com to learn everything you need to know about oils and additives. My Liberty was a very early '02 model and I never have any ticking problems. The only two weights I use are 5w-30 in the winter and 10w-30 in the summer. I run Valvoline basic (dyno) oil and change it every 3,000 miles. No issues so far @ 40K miles

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:25 pm

Another possibility!

My 02 would knock (bearing knock) after sitting all weekend and started cold on Monday. A can of STP solved that......I don't own stock in STP, but I swear this stuff seems to work. I have been using it since 1976. Since my first diesel P.U. in 1986, I have used Shell Rotella 15W 40 all year round in all my vehicles. Its a diesel oil, but its great for gas engines too.

My valve or lifter knock: I use Chevon Techtron to clean the injectors once in a while (every 40K or so). The last time I used it a real bad knock developed in the engine. Listened to the knock with a length of hose (another old trick) probing the engine, took the oil filter cap off and it louder, took the belt off and it was still there. Oh boy I thought to myself, I have a burnt valve. It was loud!

I started to think.....the injectors are plastic. What happen if the Techtron took all the lubrication and build-up off the injectors. Would they be noisey? Has anyone had a lifter go bad, especially in a diesel. You thought you dropped a rod or something. So to my other old trusty stand by, given to me by an elderly gentleman back in the 70's and he used all the time. Marvel Mystery Oil!! I put a bottle in the gas tank after a fill up, a second at the next fill up, and everything has been quiet now for over 10K miles!

I use the stuff to replace the lead in the gas for my old tractors. Another old snake oil, that seems to work.

So to make a long bs story into a short bs story....I recommend a bottle of marvel mystery oil in the gas tank and a can of STP in the crank case. See if those two things make the noise go away.

Al

dkcase · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:36 pm

Before you try anything more complex, replace the oil filter.

Did it just start within the lifetime of this filter ? The oil may be draining back from the top end.

The filter should prevent this with its antidrainback valve -- either nitrile or silicone. What brand filter is on there ?

PLEASE HELP - Loud Engine Tapping when cold 02' KJ Sport

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