KJ 3.7 V6 - what to look for

[drubie]

Bit of an impulse purchase from Gumtree - most of the car looks fine but the engine is rattling (not sure what that is - could be valve lash adjusters, could be a big end).

Anyway, after I have investigated the engine what common stuff should I look for on the rest of it? It doesn't appear to be leaking anything although the service history looks pretty patchy. I figure on changing all the fluids after I have finished popping the valve covers off for a look-see.

I don't know anything about the KJ (have owned ZJ and SJ in the past) and this little thing doesn't look all that familiar to the older jeeps.

[Tog]

Could be timing chains. Does it lessen under load?

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[drubie]

It's unregistered and I didn't drive it (had it towed).

When I went to buy it, the owner started it and I feared for my life the knocking was so loud. However, now it's in the yard I span it for a while without starting it, then started it and the rattle is a lot quieter.
It had been sitting for a long time in their yard when I went to see it, so if it is the lash adjusters that would make sense.

Their story was they were driving it home when it started ticking, then the ticking noise gradually got louder. Their mechanic told them the engine was toast and they needed to find $4500 to fix it.

Now that I have had a chance to listen properly / test it it seems like it does fade in and out a bit which is not what I would expect from a rod knock. My plan is to examine the lash adjusters on the noisy side (thankfully it's the passenger side) and if I find a bad one, I will replace the lot and see what happens.

If it's timing chain related, I assume that is a relatively easy job? Once the radiator etc. are out of the way it looks like there is plenty of access to the front of the engine.

[Tog]

According to my mechanic when I did my timing chains it's not such an easy job. Apparently there us a special tool for holding tension on the chains while you lock them up. Without out it it's a 2 man job. Don't even consider buying a timing set in Oz prices are absolutely insane got mine from Rockauto for about $480 including shipping. Make sure you get valve cover gaskets also. Might also pay to check you drive belt tensioner pulley the bearings go and sound just like timing chains. I had to replace the whole tensioner about 18mnths after the chains were done.

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[drubie]

Fair enough, will look at the tensioner as well. What is the shipping time like from Rockauto?

[Tog]

Depending on which shipping option you choose normally 1-2 weeks unless you choose an express shipping. Most quotes I got for parts from Oz anywhere up to $1800

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[TOIIIIIIIOJ]

If you do timing chains do the tensions too and please use good quality brands otherwise you'll end up like others doing it twice.
it'll be interesting to find out what's the problem.

Also look up "Youtube" how to do timing chains as it's a big job.