Sad 1989 4 cylinder

[Redwood Grove]

I have a 1989 yj Wrangler. Never driven off road, rain or snow! Never over 4,000rpm. 66,000k miles. Very slow. California Car. As of yesterday, engine sounds like a bunch of nails being shaken in a metal can. Will have to repair myself. Any suggestions? About to remove valve cover. Where should I go for new motor if damage is excessive?

Thanks guys!

 

[TerryMason]

Welcome to Jeepz.com

Does it make this sound under load, or when idling?

Does the oil look different at all (milky / metal flakes, etc).


Also, where are you located?

 

[69jeepcj]

Best bet is a junkyard.

 

[RudeDog]

I'd do a compression test to see if a cylinder or cylinders are way off. They should typically all be within 5 to 15 lbs of one another. Closer is better. After, remove the valve cover and see if anything is off, broken or loose. If you find pieces, not good. That means metal pieces or shavings are probably circulating inside the engine.

 

[greg92jeepxj]

I agree totally with a compression test . It is the first check you will have to make to determine the engines condition as we should always do when we see or question any changes in the way our engines are running . The fact that you are hearing noises that you describe as nails rattling around makes me thing of possible broken piston rings . Instead of thinking the worst , it is best to determine what state your engine is in . A compression check shall do this . Repair manual specifications of compression are available , but it is unlikely any engine will achieve these exact pressures considering mileage and wear . Regardless of how it was always driven and maintained , it is now in this state and must be addressed . It is hopeful to find at least close to spec's , but seemingly more important is cylinder balance . You would like to see , as previously posted no more than 5 to 15 pounds difference between cylinders on any engine with any kind of mileage and use . If it is determined that poor compression is found in any cylinder(s) and considerable difference of pressure from one cylinder and another , it might be best to search for a replacement . You could tear it down to determine what needs replacement , but that time and money may be better spent seeking a good running engine which is what you want to begin with . One step at a time , well thought out shall achieve you the results you will be happy with and back on the road soon . Best of luck , Greg92jeepxj .

 

[greg92jeepxj]

I regret that I have overlooked one of the first places to inspect . I just heard your description of the noise and immediately thought of a friends Chevy Monte Carlo 305 CID which blew rings in two cylinders once . 2.5 ? check the flex plate (flywheel) for anything loose or cracks evident . The ring that has the windows for the crankshaft position sensor is part of this assembly and if damaged , is said to be somewhat of a common complaint . I do not know what has been determined as of yet , but this is just one more place to look . We would feel better knowing you must swap a flywheel , even with all the arduous labor entailed , than the engine . Not that pulling a trans/t-case is any fun on your back , but it is still hopeful for positive news for the engine . Loose or broken flex plates do rattle and are more noticeable at idle than on acceleration if loose , but most noticed if broken at idle and acceleration . Once again , best of luck Greg92jeepxj

 

[superj]

i would imagine cali up by solvang or something?

if indeed in cali, you will have to replace with a like year or newer and make sure all emission related stuff is transfered also so it passes emission testing. i think if you swap to another motor, you have to get it certified by the smog station about the swap too so its recorded in their log books.

the cheapest easiest replacement of the engine, if its needed, will be with a like model engine

 

[greg92jeepxj]

That is so right , almost forgot your in California and they are dead serious about emissions , the rest of the U.S. is catching up fast too. That is first and foremost as no one would be happy to find the smog team has a problem with your rig even though you just got it running and are very happy with it ! Still wishing the best . Greg92jeepxj

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

A busted piston skirt is pretty common in that model engine and would make the noise you describe. Best to drop the oil pan and inspect the pistons and cylinder walls with a light.

 

[Redwood Grove]

Thanks to all on the Sad 1989. Compression is down on 1 cylinder but I put the olde stethoscope all over and it turned out to be a bad water pump bearing! By look and feel it seemed OK. Put a new one on from NAPA and noise went away. Now I have another problem, something like starving for fuel but I'll study Mr Jeep some before I post about it!

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Great to hear was only a water pump , on my third one in 12 years , they fool me every time with the racket they make . I check belt tension , idler pulley, flushes , thermostats and they still quit . They don't make water pumps the way they used to . LOL.
Not a big fan of these miracle mixes for crankcase s that are supposed to restore cylinder compression , but I know you'll keep tabs on it . Hoping for the best . Glad your still driving it and want to say your welcome . I'm learning Jeepz.com has got a lot of good people who not only know their stuff , but will do all they can to help a brother out and give the best advice they got .
Guess you'll check fuel pressure and regulator next , hope the injectors are still healthy . Wishing best and appreciate your determination to keep a good jeep at its best ! Best regards and many miles to both you and the jeep ! Will look out for your posts . Greg92jeepxj