i have a 2000 cherokee with a '94 4.0. rebuilty by jasper about 40,000 mi ago. there's a loud tapping noise that comes and goes. usually when its cold but not always. a guy i know thinks it's the rocker saddles. any other suggestions?

 

it may be....or could be lifters........however they normally dont come and go.........check the studs on the Convertor.

 

My 1998 makes a loud tapping sound. This is when it is cold outside (50's or less) and I had just started the engine. When I accelerate it will get loud and go away. It's a fast tapping, that I am 99% sure is the lifters, or something in that area. Once I hear it, it goes away and the noise doesn't return until the engine is cold again. So the coming and going means over a long period of time (usually) not minute to minute for example.

I have a lite tapping noise coming from the bottom end that I think is the classic loose flywheel bolts. (I gotta fix that).

 

are you still getting good oil pressure?

 

It runs above the 2nd mark on the factory oil pressure gauge and above 40 after startup cold engine/oil. So yes I think oil pressure is good.

 

it's more than likely just the lifters, keep an eye on the oil pressure