Questions and Answers
Ticking Jeep
Q. Hello, lets see where do I start? I just bought a 1983 CJ7, 6cyl. automatic. it has 97,000 miles on it. I noticed a ticking noise in the engine. I went to a mechanic he said it was a lifter valve. The thing is the noise come and goes. What would cause that? He said he will replace that which I think it is. But I am wondering if that would cause the jeep to loose power? If I am going up hill the jeep seems to slow down and it might tick faster. Then when I level out it will be fine. Another question, I noticed the oil pressure is between 10 and 20. I called the guy who sold me the jeep and he said that's the normal range for the jeep. I would like to know if it is and if not what would cause that. He said there is a new oil pump on it. The jeep would also backfire when I shut it off but only once in a while. I am wondering if the oil pressure and the backfiring would have anything to do with the lifter valve being stuck. he did tell me he had new plugs, wires, bearing, put in.
Thank you,
PhilA. First off Phil, about 14 psi of oil pressure at idle is normal for that engine, so no problem there.
A bad lifter will make a ticking noise so I have to agree with the mechanic on that point. There is a check valve inside the lifters which consists of a steel ball and spring. The springs go weak and can't hold the oil in the lifter so you get an intermittent ticking noise.
As far as loosing power, it's possible, but I don't think it likely. I would tend to look at the carburetor for a problem, maybe all it needs is a simple fuel mixture adjustment.
