WJ 4.7HO Rattle

[Classic Boy]

The 4.7 has a bit of timing chain rattle problems not all but it is weak spot if the oil changes have been not done when required.
They can have lifter noise sometimes for the same reasons.
Also it is not unknown for them to slip a rocker out but they usually have a severe miss if the rocker slips.

[Jeeper6]

Originally Posted by Trav_Patrol

IT does sound like that, i found another thread on a US forum, where the timing chain tensioner guides had worn out, they're made of nylon and the noise was the timing chain slapping the tensioner....I found a workshop not far from my work that specialises in Jeeps so it's getting looked at in the morning, fingers crossed it's not too bad.

I did read that somewhere, that the tensioners can wear down leaving timing chain noise...mine had only done about 130k when it did that, so probably unlikely to have worn out at that point...
Wouldn't be a big job to replace the tensioners I don't reckon, just a mongrel...

[Trav_Patrol]

I finally got around to removing the belt and starting it, unfortunately the noise is still there and quite bad.
It's booked in to a Jeep specialist Wednesday next week to have a look at it. I can't help but feel it's going to be bad news... I've had a bad run with used cars this year and this will too it off nicely 😅

[FARWEST]

Ok....so noise remains after belt is removed....so its not a water pump or a bolt on or part of the belt system....the fellas that replied with experience stated the timing chain area has 'common' faults....a timing chain hitting the casing could definitely be your issue....as jeeper6 said...not a biggie but a bugger....everything has to come off to get to it....labour charges are going to be 'uncomfortable'....if this is the issue I would personally renew the lot with an upgraded product and be done with it for the next 100k plus....your choice on how you go about it and how much your willing to spend....the mechanic workshop will find the issue pretty quickly if you 'mention' in conversation with them that you researched the possible source and have found that the timing chain and/or tensioners are a 'common' problem with these engines....makes him a li'l aware that your not completely niave and just may save you few hundred in workshop diagnosis...GOOD LUCK

[Jeeper6]

Originally Posted by Trav_Patrol

I finally got around to removing the belt and starting it, unfortunately the noise is still there and quite bad.
It's booked in to a Jeep specialist Wednesday next week to have a look at it. I can't help but feel it's going to be bad news... I've had a bad run with used cars this year and this will too it off nicely 😅

Not knowing where you are makes it difficult to recommend someone to go to that would be close to you.
Hopefully the mechanic knows Jeeps and their issues....and the fixes! Too often they just throw their hands in the air and tell you it's buggered, the easy way out. In days gone by to find an issue was a challenge, these days it seems it is just a hassle.

[Classic Boy]

What’s the car’s replacement value? as a timing chain job will not likely leave much change from $1500

[Jeeper6]

Depends how much you like that particular Jeep really...I have happily spent much more than a car is worth to keep it going...
I spent a fortune on my WJ Overland when i owned it as I loved the car...did the same with my WH Overland...always doin' something.

Often a Jeep becomes a Hobby too...money spent is just a part of the enjoyment imo...