Tom, you do recall these are mechanical lifter engines? Okay, I'm sure you do -- you have to know the sound is coming from deeper inside. Just a reminder! Can you hear the tap with the engine being turned over by the starter? Try it with the head off. Then if you can hear the tap, remove the fuel pump to check that out. A light tap is not likely rod related, though it could be a loose wrist pin due to wear, or slightly to much piston to wall clearance for one piston (the infamous mid 90s 4.0L "tick"). The only rod knocks I've ever experienced sound like someone beating in the engine with a 16 oz (or larger!) hammer, even at idle -- definitely not something I'd describe as a "tick" (that would be valve noise...). I wouldn't worry about a wrist pin or piston rock tick, the 4.0L lasts just fine with it. _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list