How do you fix a sticky valve lifter?
How to Unstick a Valve Lifter
- Run an engine detergent in your gasoline, and use a higher-octane gas. Often, fuel system cleaners or detergents can free up engine debris and stop a valve lifter from ticking.
- Use an engine flush, and then change your oil. Engine flush products are available at many auto parts stores.
When do you need to adjust valve clearance on a jeep?
When these engines develop valvetrain noise, owners often think a valve adjustment will cure the problem. In each of these AMC/Jeep engines, valve clearances are set during assembly of the engine, and adjustment is not necessary between engine rebuilds.
Why are my plungers too low on my Jeep?
Since the engine runs okay, apparently the lifters have enough plunger movement/range to accept this higher than normal preload. (Regardless, the plungers are riding too low in the lifters.) If you check the lifter preloads or clearances, they will be excessive.
What kind of engine does a Jeep Cherokee have?
Between the model years 1971 and 2006, Jeep used these AMC-design 232, 258 and 4.0L sixes and the 2.5L straight four-cylinder engine (1983.5-2002). The hydraulic lifter and valvetrain design has particular needs, especially the valve clearances.
Why is my Jeep Cherokee leaking oil at 200k?
Like you suggest, it could be sluggish oil flow through the hydraulic lifters, the lifters bleeding down, or possibly excess valve/lifter clearance from valvetrain wear. At 200K miles, that’s a very real possibility.
When these engines develop valvetrain noise, owners often think a valve adjustment will cure the problem. In each of these AMC/Jeep engines, valve clearances are set during assembly of the engine, and adjustment is not necessary between engine rebuilds.
Since the engine runs okay, apparently the lifters have enough plunger movement/range to accept this higher than normal preload. (Regardless, the plungers are riding too low in the lifters.) If you check the lifter preloads or clearances, they will be excessive.
Between the model years 1971 and 2006, Jeep used these AMC-design 232, 258 and 4.0L sixes and the 2.5L straight four-cylinder engine (1983.5-2002). The hydraulic lifter and valvetrain design has particular needs, especially the valve clearances.
Like you suggest, it could be sluggish oil flow through the hydraulic lifters, the lifters bleeding down, or possibly excess valve/lifter clearance from valvetrain wear. At 200K miles, that’s a very real possibility.