Topic: 2001 TJ 2.5 - Replace Cam with Lifters?

[tony_dt]

Hi,

I have read some info on this site about lifters and cams but I have some specific questions.

Background:
I own a 2001 TJ with 2.5L motor. It has 130,000+ miles. I use Amsoil 0-30 and filters.
It has had some lifter tick for awhile. Mostly at start up. I drive the Jeep as a DD, picking up parts and I even take long trips with it. It just does light duty off-road at a few parks, hunting and fishing. It has a few minor problems, clock spring, heater switch, torn seats etc.. but today I just want to talk about lifters.

Issue:
Recently this noise increased very much. Upon startup 3 days ago it started ticking very loudly.

What I have done regarding the issue:
I added Marvel Mystery oil and drove home with some new transmission fluid and filter (to be applied later). After  driving home I noticed the ticking was pretty much gone when idling. It was still there upon revving the motor up slightly.
I then flushed the oil using the transmission fluid. Ran it for a few minutes and then changed the oil and filter. After changing the oil (just using some inexpensive 5/40 temporarily) I put in another 16 oz of Marvel mystery oil.
It pretty much acts the same, ticking at slightly above idle. It may tick going down the road at speed but the wind noise covers it up.


My plan:
I purchase lifters 5.55 ea and gasket 33.00 (dang) from NAPA. I would like to try changing the lifters. I also purchased a NAPA gold filter. .


My Questions:
Should I change the lifters without changing the cam?
I know it would probably be better to change the cam also but if it is worth a try without, I would give it a go.

If I replaced the cam which cam would be desired? Aftermarket?

Also, any suggestions, tips, feedback would be appreciated and considered.

Thanks for reading my post!
Tony

[Mr_Random]

Of course an aftermarket cam is always nice, but you would require a little more than just new lifters with one (springs, maybe double roller timing chain, etc).

For now I would suggest getting a replacement stock cam, 2001 era if you want to be straight with emissions. The timing setup in our engines is flat tappet/non-roller cam and lifters, in other words the lifters "ride" directly on the cam lobes themselves. Thus, the lifters are considered "paired" to each lobe, as they will wear in tandem. While replacing lifters separately MIGHT not hurt a low mileage engine, I still wouldn't risk it.

Stock cams are relatively cheap, and it wouldn't be hard to remove in a TJ, just take the radiator out, timing cover off, gears, chain, pull valve cover, loosen or remove rockers/rocker bridges until you can get the pushrods out, use a Styrofoam lid or something similar to keep them in order, check "straightness" of the 'rods by rolling them on a flat surface, then use a tool to pull the lifters, then FINALLY remove the cam...

I'll honestly suggest returning the lifters and doing a complete aftermarket timing set, but if you wish to just do stock cam and lifters I totally support that decision.

I'll try to get you specs on different year stock cams, see if there is anything there to yield a power increase on the cheap.

Good luck!

[tony_dt]

Good Stuff! Thanks Mr Random.

For your suggestion:
"I'll honestly suggest returning the lifters and doing a complete aftermarket timing set, but if you wish to just do stock cam and lifters I totally support that decision."

I'm good with this if  replacing the timing components may resolve my issue? Also, I don't mind putting money into this little guy if it is needed. It's been paid for for a long time and I have no car payments but I require dependable transportation. Although, if something doesn't need to be replaced I certainly don't want to replace it until it's time.

[aw12345]

As long as the bottom of the lifters are not dished or excesively worn from a not rotating lifter you could reuse the old cam the kicker is you do not now how bad the lifters are till you get them out. One give away is, when you have a heck of a time pounding them out with a lifter puller.

[tony_dt]

I did purchase a new timing set. Cloyes Brand. Made in US but not sure about quality.
I hope to examine some lifters this weekend.

[tony_dt]

Well! It is probably not the lifters. I bought the timing set, after a few snafu's at the Parts Store finally receive it.
1. Ordered part
2. Went to pickup they said the part wasn't ordered
3. Ordered part again.
4. Wrong part arrived. Original part out of stock.
5. Asked partsman to just look for orginal part and they had it all along.

After all that drama, I cleaned the engine with maxima cleanup and decided before I do all this work, I need to do the stethescope thing to make sure where the ticking is coming from. I discovered I have a crack in the exhaust manifold.
 :dammit:
I swear I looked for this before and somehow I missed it. Must have been caked with dirt or rust.

Now I need to look for an exhaust manifold and gasket. Any recommendations from you 2.5 Gurus?!
Stock Manifold? Headers?
This was mostly for an update. I just wanted to let everyone know what I found.

I saw the other thread with an issue with this cracking an going through different manifolds and headers. I do think my issue was heat related.

I do recall now that a few weeks prior I noticed my Jeep was starting to run hotter one day. It was low on coolant. I put some additional coolant in and everything seemed to be normal. I could not find any leaks.