Newbie with questions

[mw14c]

First off, I found this site by googling roof racks and found exactly what I was looking for (I didn't know it at the time). Can't remember his name but he built one out of conduit. AWESOME! I patterned one very similar with a few changes. Will post pictures soon. Saved my XJ from the salvage yard (where I was working at the time) 2 years ago. Engine was, and still is knocking pretty hard. Sounds exactly like a rod bearing. That was 30,000 miles ago and the dang thing keeps on going. Knock does not get better or worse. Oil pressure holds real good @40-50psi even at idle. Wierd thing is that every 6,000 miles the #2 spark plug burns the electrode off clean. Think it's detonation but all of the other spark plugs look like new. Anyone else experienced anything like this? '94 Sport 4.0 HO. I've owned 7 other 4bys in my life ('69CJ5, '74 FJ40, '78 F250, '94 Ranger, '68 Scout, '96 Sururban, '91 F350 diesel crew cab) and without a doubt this little Jeep is my favorite. And the least expensive ($200) I've ever owned. Look forward to talking to XJ owners in the future. Thanks, Jim

[bigjim350]

check your torque converter bolts. its very common for them to come loose and will sound like a rod knock. mine had the same problem

[prerunner1982]

Welcome from Oklahoma.

[4.3LXJ]

The flywheel is also prone to crack in the center. It is hard to spot, but you can pull the cover off the front of the bell housing and look carefully.

[mw14c]

Hey thanks. Been a mechanic for 25 years and should of known this. Gonna check the flex plate soon. Strange thing is that sometimes it doesn't knock at all and other times it sounds like it's on it's last leg. Can't figure the burned plug though.

[4.3LXJ]

Unless that is completely temp related, it is most likely the flex plate.

[mw14c]

Thanks to all who welcomed me "aboard". PLEASE be patient with me. I tend to be a little old school and don't understand the forum here yet. I very much look forward to spending more time on here as I'm quickly becoming more and more a Jeep fan ;).

[prerunner1982]

This is probably the most patient forum you will find. We have all been newbies at some point. And for the most part we have a really good group of guys.

You start out being a fan.... but if you aren't careful you will become an addict. There is no cure, but we will be here as your support group.

[1ATony]

welcome to the site