Need advice 2002 Liberty 200000KM possible timing chain prob

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:16 pm

Hi all

My 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport with a 3.7L needs some attention

I uploaded some videos of my engine during cold start and after a 20 min run. It has a distinct ticking noise, to me it sounds too loud for injectors and I wouldn’t consider it a knock. I`m pretty sure I need to change my timing chain; I would like your input.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebq_s-g9tpE - Cold Start
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS2WSoKbkdE - After a 20 min run

- Cost of parts?
- Cost of labour?
- Does the engine need to come out to change the timing chain?

I found a timing chain kit on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.ca/JEEP-TIMING-CHAIN-KIT-SET-3-7-LIBERTY-2002-2003-V6-NEW-/120554089283?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c11956b43

And I got a quote from a local machine shop
- Pull the engine
- Install the timing chain kit from eBay
- check the engine for any other problems
- fill with new fluids and filter
- reinstall engine
780$

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:18 pm

That does not sound too bad but I would make it a point to get the best timing set you can get. Cheaper is not necessary better in a time like this, not like a set of spark plugs that you can do in you driveway in 20 min if they are junk.

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:22 pm

you have a point stumpjumper_09 mind you the price I got quoted at the shop for the kit is quite a bit higher. they gave me to prices 450$ or 530$. unfortunatly being that the holiday season is almost here money is a bit tight...

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:27 pm

the mechanic that checked the engine with a probe said that it dident sound to bad but I am concerned, could I runn it like this for a while. I drive on average 250KM (160 Miles) per week.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:31 pm

I don't know what kind of places you guys have in Canada. But I would make some calls to local Auto parts places. Napa, Advance Auto, Autozone exe...... There has to be a decent price out there without paying that much. When I was to commercial parts pro for advance auto I gave my best shops 5% on parts and they typically marked up 25-30%

ShadowK99 wrote:

the mechanic that checked the engine with a probe said that it dident sound to bad but I am concerned, could I runn it like this for a while. I drive on average 250KM (160 Miles) per week.

I'd get a second opinion.....

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:32 pm

I got my Liberty at 181000KM and have changed the Oil and 3 times to date. unfortunatly I can`t account for the servicing prior to when I got it.

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:34 pm

Agreed stumpjumper thats what I`m doing on monday.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:35 pm

ShadowK99 wrote:

I got my Liberty at 181000KM and have changed the Oil and 3 times to date. unfortunatly I can`t account for the servicing prior to when I got it.

These engines have a ticking clock in them. Just hope yours isn't entering mentapause. Just ask Larry how that works out...

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:39 pm

Hmmm goona keep my fingers crossed

ridenby · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:40 pm

Can not tell much by the vids,myself,though if I thought or knew that it needed timing chains and could get it all for $780 I would be hunting some bucks up. Or ship that junk down here and I will give you $1000.00 for it sight unseen.

ShadowK99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:43 pm

thanks for the offer ridenby ... think I pass I`m still paying for it

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:00 pm

I could be as simple as needing new tensioners,not as expensive and does not require engine removal(which doing the timing chains does not either).The tensioners are plastic and will wearout well before the chains ever will.

1996xj · **Posted:** Sun Nov 14, 2010 9:07 pm

tjkj2002 is prob. right ! I replaced Towstraps 3 tentioner's due to rattling. The tentioner on pass. side wasn't locking and chain was floping around !!

Need advice 2002 Liberty 200000KM possible timing chain prob

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