I've been hearing a hissing/ticking sound coming from the engine for a while and it has gotten worse as time goes on. It's especially noticeable when the engine is cold and gets quieter as it warms up. Upon inspection, we found that the exhaust manifold had a fairly sizeable crack in it. The interesting thing is that, when the dealer went to order the new manifold (under warranty), he found they are on back order, leading us to assume that there have been quite a few cracked manifolds. I've been told this was an issue with the TJs when they first came out, so I'm just wondering how many JKs have been experiencing it as well.

 

I have a ticking sound coming from the passenger side of the motor. I noticed it a few weeks ago and it has gotten steadily worse. It sounds just like an exhaust leak at the manifold. I'll have to check it out this weekend.

Edit: We have about 15K on ours, I noticed the noise at about 10K

 

It might be interesting to know, for those who have voted, how many miles you've got on the Jeep and whether or not you actually checked for a crack (as opposed to just having not noticed a sound yet).

I'm at 31k miles and never noticed the crack until the sound became louder after a service.

 

22,000 miles and no noise. i haven't studied them to make sure, but all the times i'm under the hood or under it and looked around, i haven't noticed anything out of the ordenary other then then the normal rust and dirt marks.

 

Well I haven't checked it...yet. But my JK definately has a noticeable tick at cold start that goes away once its GOOD and warmed up. Gah I hope its not tore up...don't feel like taking it in to the stealership...ever.

 

Have had the exact same thing for about a year now...Vehicle is 16 months old, 8,000 miles...

I just turn my radio up

 

I had major rust and holes in my exhaust manifold on my '97 TJ. It was loud as hell too! Sounded badass but it was too loud for a drive-thru, had to turn it off so they could take my order, kinda embarrassing.

Found the part cheap online and had some friends help me put it in. A total pain in the ass too! We couldn't get all the bolts into it because there was no space to even get your hand in there! After it was put on, it was quieter than before. I hope I don't have to go through that with my new JK!

 

Anyone have a picture of these cracks? Just curious where they are happening.

 

I'll try to post pics if I can.... my camera is broken.

 

I have the noise, and the dealer said they cant hear it, I have to take it in and go for a drive with them. I'll have to check this out!

the damn service writer keeps telling the techs its a loud muffler..