Ok guys, i am getting ready to push this thing into lake.
I have a 89 YJ with the 6cyl and an automatic. The stupid engine will start making a clicking noise when put into gear. Its pretty loud and it wont do it unless put into gear. So i pulled the valve cover thinking it was a lifter.. checked all of the rocker arms and rods for wear. Nothing. while the motor was running i loosened the rocker, and listened to a lifter tick, comparing the 2 noises, the lifter is alot quieter, so that leaves me to believe it is not a lifter...
What else could it be, fly wheel????? its an automtic, guys i am at my wits end on this so help....
it has Howell Fuel Injection on it and i was wondering if the noise was something associated with the guys before me taking the mechanical fuel pump out, but nope, didnt see anything wrong there....
HELP:(
by the way, the motor runs great, great response and idle, just that damn clicking....and its a fairly loud click too......

From your description, it could be any one of a number of things, but an easy, obvious thing to check would be the timing chain tension.

It could be anything from harmless to a main bearing that shit the bed...

Good luck,
Jake

Please figure this one out.
I need the answer. I have a 87YJ that makes what sounds like the same noise. However, mine makes it in park only and not in any gears. Due to bad head gasket I replaced the head so I know its not up there. I believe it has something to due with the automatic tansmission adjustment. I also have new fuel pump and still have the noise.

the 89/auto tic problem sounds like tranny-related to me.

but, take it to a trans-shop, and have them do a drivetest,
and give you an estimate for the work they think is needed.
you OBVIOUSLY don't have to have them do the work, but
use their skills to find the problem, then fix it yourself.

--Sherpa

That sounds like a good idea. But I hate anybody getting close to my jeep. It fail emissions a year ago and after someone looked at it to give me a estimate they charged me $75. Of course if you get the work done there they subtract the $75. But I did what you said and then fixed it my self. I think some of the shop are catching on to this idea!

i wondered about the transmission but wasnt sure what it could be.... flywheel maybe?????