I own a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport Mountain Edition with a 3.8l with around 69k miles on it. For the past few months ive been hearing a strange ticking noise from the front end. It is a consistant noise upon start up, you can hear it until it idles down normaly. (most mornings it is really loud). When I get on the accelerator it gets louder the higher the RPM. now, ive been told it could be an exhaust leak from the manifold, bad lifters, or piston slap. I have been back and forth to my dealer about 3-4 times this last month and they still cant figure out the issues.

On the other hand I am aware of the common issues with the 3.8l, but does anyone on here have any past exxperiences with this? any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

I have an '08 that does something similar, but mine is noticeable over around 40 mph. I have heard cracked exhaust manifold as well...plan to have mine checked when (and if) the latest recall parts ever come in.

 

I had my exhaust manifold replaced a few years back. But I do have a noise when I accelerate that comes from the skid plate vibrating under my jeep.

 

My 10 was long past due for manifolds at 70k but I ran them until it got irritating enough. I'm at 2-3 years on the 'new' manifolds and I think I've got another crack in the driver's side.

 

Had an obnoxious ticking. Came from drivers manifold. Swapped it then 3 months later it came back this time I'm pretty sure from passenger side. 192,000 miles so lasted longer than I expected