Jeep Diagnose 4.0 tick, or a decent shop that can?

[DerekM]

My TJ has had an annoying tick ever since I bought it. I think the tick has become worse over time, and I haven't been able to find where it is. I am pretty sure I have it down to 3 possibilities. An exhaust leak, Lifter, or Valve tap.

This tick is erratic, It starts once the engine is warm and gets louder, then it stops suddenly. After a few seconds it starts up quietly, then gets louder and louder until it stops again. It does speed up with the RPM when I rev it.

Does anyone know how I can diagnose the leak myself? Is it difficult to fix? Or, where is a reputable shop that I can take it to, located in Utah County, and preferably one that knows the 4.0.?

 

[mbryson]

I'd check the header area pretty thoroughly. I'd be WAY surprised if it's not cracked on a 4.0L

 

[DerekM]

I have the 2 piece header with the 2 precats that came in the newer models. From what I understand, these don't crack as easily as the older ones. I did a seafoam treatment and noticed a little smoke coming out where the header meets the downpipe. Could this be the ticking noise? It doesn't start until it's hot though.

 

[eatrocks]

they still crack both of mine were when I pulled the motor and we hear about lot of them that are

 

[Devel]

check the cam shaft position sensor, the shaft that goes down to the oil pump from the sensor has bushings that go bad. had mine take out 2 cam shaft sensors before i figured it out