And yes.. it is after it gets warmed up.. I don't actually hear it initially. It isn't until I've let it idle for a long while or if I've driven it for a bit.

 

Nope still searching. Thinking about pulling valve covers to search for collapsed springs or broken rocker arms. Not happy about it but seems like the next step

 

Im in the Same Boat 2008 Sahara starts ticking after about a mile or 2. and increases with RPM's
Drives me nuts, Keep us updated on the whats and hows. Forgot to Mention im @ 84K

 

This could be a number of things from valves to oil viscosity to which octane of gas you use. My old xj use to tick like that when I used lower octane fuel and when I would put premium in it would stop. I also used thicker oil one time like 10w40 and it sounded even worst. Finally I said screw it and just dealt with it. It really didn't hurt anything other than be annoying.just my $0.02.

 

Mine turned out to be a badly cracked driver side exhaust manifold.

 

Does it start making the ticking after it gets to around operating temperature? My motor sounds perfect until it gets to around operating temperature, and then it ticks away

 

I have heard about the cracked manifold. Mine has been ticking forever. Yours sound more of a knock. I believe mine might be the lifters and heard it is common...98,000.

 

I've recently replaced the driver side exhaust manifold. I'm going to check it tomorrow. If all looks good and I don't find any leaks, I've already purchased a timing chain kit to try and see if that's the cause.

Using a mechanics stethoscope (Harbor Freight), it still really isn't any easier to trackdown. It doesn't seem like it's in the top but I guess we will see.

 

Did it turn out to be the timing chain?