Topic: Knocking Rod

[95jeepyj]

I have a YJ 1995 Jeep Wrangler that just had the clutch, and transmission rebuilt. My mom was driving it from Memphis to Little Rock and it started making (in her words) a clicking noise. Instead of just pulling over she just kept driving it until the rod started knocking. It is in LR now and it starts just fine first crank, but the knock is very loud. I am wondering what the best and cheapest way to fix it is? Also, should I attempt a rebuild, or maybe buy a crate engine? The only tools I have is a socket set, and a one car garage to work in. My intentions was to do all the work on it myself. Also, I am looking to save money, however I want to do it right. I got about $1,500 to spend on the entire project.

[Jeffy]

Did she bother to check the oil?  If you rebuild it you're going to have to farm out work.  Hot tank the heads and block, magnafluxing the heads, deck the block, bore the cylinders etc...  The minimum amount of work would be to hone the cylinders to just get any scratches out and not to bore it.  That's if the cylinders are good.

The cheapest option would be to find low mileage block from maybe an XJ or TJ and then transfer your stuff over to it.

[95jeepyj]

No she did not check the oil. I wish she would have and I wouldn't be in this situation. I checked the oil it was low, replaced what was needed, and it still knocks. I read about rebuilding just the lower half?

[Jeffy]

Did you try doing an oil change?  Seems strange that it would knock unless it's was getting old or she reved it really high.

You can rebuild just the lower half but you might as well do it all at once so you're going back in there a second time.

[95jeepyj]

No, I did not try an oil change. The rod is really really loud; I guess I should just give an oil change a try. If I buy a master rebuild kit like this one, "http://www.rpmmachine.com/engine-rebuild-kits-amc-4cyl.shtml" what else would be involved? Is there a web site that would take me through the rebuild process on my engine with photos that anyone knows of? Thanks for all the info. I do have a Hayns book that has a rebuild process in it I think.

[Jeffy]

I'm not sure if an oil change will help if it's knocking hard but it can't hurt.  You can use cheap oil and see if it clears up or not.

It really depends.  The little stuff can add up fast if you're having to pay labor.  You'll want to at least hone the cylinder walls for those new rings.  Might want to true up the connecting rods, and all of the other stuff I mentioned earlier.

How many miles are on the engine?

[95jeepyj]

126,000

[Dylan]

If your oil pressure is still good and the crankshaft rod journal isn't damaged, you may be able to get away with just replacing the rod bearings.

[sharpxmen]

check the oil pressure first. are you sure it's a rod? if it knocks and she drove it like that the crankshaft will need to be machined (if not replaced, depending on the wear).

imo, your quickest and cheapest option is to find a motor that runs and change it. a rebuild engine will cost you roughly the same as rebuilding yours and will be faster plus they do offer warranty most of the times (with your engine traded in), that's probably your second best option.

[dwtaylorpdx]

I've seen some pretty good deals on a long block through places like Autozone, Checker, etc.

If I went to the work to yard the motor out there is no way I'd just rebuild the bottom end.

Find the right used motor and you'd come out the cheapest.  ~500 for a low mileage with warranty.
Then a budget crate (Auto parts store) 900 to 1100 for a basic.
Or custom rebuild for about 2000.

Dave