Fixing an Engine “Tick” on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler | Rocker Arm Replacment

In this video, I’ll be working on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The engine recently developed a loud and concerning “ticking” noise. The cause of the issue was a single rocker arm with a collapsed bearing. The failed bearing caused the camshaft to become scored as well. This is a very common problem with the Chrysler 3.6 liter engine and many other models, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, and other vehicles that share this engine are also prone to having the same issue.

[@donnacaldwell3267]

Replaced my rocker on the left bank #2 at 70,000 miles. Dealer tried to tell me I needed all new rockers, lifters, camshaft, the works for 2300.00. Did it ourselves for under 600.00. Only one rocker was bad. Lifters, camshaft etc were all fine. The Pentastar overall is defective in that the number two cylinder doesn’t cool properly. Anytime you swap for more horsepower you’re gonna sacrifice something else. Chrysler knows they’re defective and yet will not recall. At one time dealerships were getting hundreds of vehicles a month with the same issue. Expect to hear the “death tick” around 70,000-80,000 in a Wrangler. Fix it asap to avoid replacing more parts.

[@grantmoon624]

Well, sorta… early JK 3.6 cylinder 2 issues are from a bad cylinder head molding process, and there was a recall/maintenance service bulletin. I had that done myself. It was covered by the recall. If the head gasket can’t seal right it will cause issues down channel issues such as cooling.

[@zayas6999]

as someone who is looking for a wrangler as a toy pretty soon, this is good info to know. thanks for sharing

[@robertocruz1177]

Cylinder 3 is what got me. Rocker failed at 136k

[@poppiarlin5612]

You do not need to go through all of that. I have done 16 of these, and never taken the chain off. That little bit of scoring on the camshaft is not gonna make any difference. All you need to do is mark the chain and camshaft each on three different places remove all of the camshaft caps. Except for the one closest to the cam gears. Those need to be loosened rotate the engine with a socket on the crankshaft and when the lobes are pointing up, the camshaft can be raised slightly in the rockers come off. This is actually a simple fix doing it the way that I described.

[@jbuelman2025]

Exactly!

[@thesickening0169]

You can even replace the rocker arm closest to the can gear doing it this way? I assume you replace them one by one, as you rotate the crank and get the lobes to point up? Also, where do you mark on the cam and chain?

[@grantmoon624]

I’ve seen this hack, and I believe that removing the cam shafts as done in this video isn’t THAT much more work IMO. Also the cam shafts are relatively cheap and worth replacing too. Especially if the cam damage from the bad rocker is significant, which it can be, and will cause issues. They also likely have 100-150k miles on them. Also delicately removing the rockers with the cam pushed over takes patience and time. Especially the ones close to the timing chain. Anyways, it’s one way to do it, just not one I’d do myself. I’d also say going all out and removing the timing chain cover (technically the proper way) is a bit absurd, so this video is a good compromise.

[@harrycallahan686]

Wanna make that 17?

[@RRRRRR-b2s]

@@harrycallahan686Haha! Made me laugh.

[@aschroer]

Excellent video! Why didn't this have a thousand likes? Clean and quick explainer.

[@jackhfletcher]

I appreciate you. Hopefully I’ll get there with the likes! Time is valuable, so I try to get straight to the point.

[@Guatemaya1]

@@jackhfletcherhow much is that fix for the jeep wrangler I have the Same problem

[@garrymurray9037]

SUPER Amazing! Thank you for your simple step-by-step expertise. So very well explained and done.

[@jesseterrell1415]

A lot of the issue stems from the cartridge filter. The oil drains to the pan in minutes after shutting off the engine and constantly leaves the top end dry. They have a adapter for a regular spin on filter so you'll have the anti drain back valve to keep the top end of the engine always soaked with oil.

[@NessNik]

Thanks I'm going to look into this!

[@codymorris6750]

Do you have a link for it?

[@jesseterrell1415]

@cody morris just Google search Baxter performance and it will bring a link to their website. They're the only one making them as of my knowledge. You'll enter in the year, make and model on their site.

[@houseroof1]

I modified mine - Baxter Performance - no more dry starts

[@kelvinmoore541]

Food for thought. All this full synthetic 5/20 0/20 oil.... I always go with a synthetic blend and something thicker...just sayn

[@davidrobins4025]

Well done video with clear explanation of what and how. Thanks

[@earlkoropatnick1928]

It is caused by lack of oiling on startup. You go 5 to 7 seconds without oil on the camshaft on cold startup. This results in this problem at 150,000 to 200,000 miles usually. Solve this problem by installing a Banks Industry oil filler set up and you engine will last a very very long time.

[@Chickennss]

For what was included, this was a very clear video. Would have been cool if the chain tensioner part was included.

[@GoldenK9Campers]

Best video on this subject by far. Thanks so much for this !!!

[@melemel2430]

Wish that I had found this video sooner. I watched 2 other videos first, about an hour long each. It was like pulling teeth to get to the meat and potatoes and I still walked away scratching my head 🤔. Thanks for well made vid !

[@ed0985587]

Can’t believe this is status quo for Chrysler. No wonder they suck. I love Jeeps, but I’ve had a few issues before 60k miles. My Toyota Tundra with 120k miles has been flawless. They need to get their shit together!

[@stevejames1563]

Clear and Concise ! Excellent Video ! 😊😎

[@Overlandlifestyle]

Probably the best video on this common problem no magic additives will fix that collapsed bearing lol but running something like Lucas oil additive every oil change may help prevent it from happening

[@melemel2430]

Great, simple, and straight to the point video👍👍👍. Very helpful,thanks.

[@99RT10]

Great video, I would just add the part numbers for the camshaft, rockers, and lifters to the description, but big help. Thank you

[@integr8er66]

Awesome video, get right to the point and don't waste time on mundane tasks. Great job!

[@benonin.719]

You always set your parts on top, of your intake !! 😮brave men!! Good job overall 👍 🧰

[@GLiTCHi_01]

What is the parts needed for replacing? including seal. overall very thorough video. easy to follow.

[@javierchavez3791]

Wow thank you it help me lot. I watch your videos.

[@anesanes8703]

Hello. Thank you much for this clear explanation! Extremely helpful. Could you please share Oem references for rocker arms, lifters and camshafts ?

[@jackhfletcher]

Rocker arms: 5184296AH Lifters: 5184332AA Camshaft Exhaust Left: 5184377AH Camshaft Exhaust Right: 5184378AH Camshaft Intake Left: 5184379AH Camshaft Intake Right: 5184380AH

[@anesanes8703]

@@jackhfletcher Thank you!!

[@anesanes8703]

@@jackhfletcher any view on Melling rocker arms ? (MR-1332). Any upgrade compared with oem ? (they're 40% cheaper than oem)

[@Galbie11]

Very detail video!!! Thank you so much!

[@thephnxtrading]

At marker 4:00 in video you say easiest way to to do chain is to relieve tension on timing chain, how is that done? Do you have a video of it?

[@vally1978]

I have not yet taken my Jeep in, but I’ve had this clicking noise for quite a long time now. It’s starting to get on my nerves, so I figure I should look into it. I’ve been told online by people hearing the video that work on jeeps that I need a new engine… But the clicking sounds just like what I’m hearing on this video. Is this a pricey fix?

[@assliee]

I was just told the same thing for my Wrangler JK… needing a new engine or selling my Jeep before anything worse happens. For the job it needs done would be the same cost as getting a new Jeep. Sucks..

[@therealestchrisb]

Awesome video and thank you for the info!

[@BIGDaddy504]

Literally just had my 2012 dodge grand caravan engine fixed from this, cost me $2,200 plus i had my spark plugs and wires replaced but still. I barely drive my van, maybe 3,000 miles a year so its been a full year since i noticed it first started.

[@scotta7798]

I got this tick on my 2018 jl at 76,000 miles. Replaced the rocker arms lifters and phasers but it didn’t go away. Mechanic said it’s probably the bottom end? Any ideas?

[@UMiamiFootball305]

Great video man thank you

[@jrverde218]

Thank you for making this for us I have to do this all very soon and tbh I’m pretty nervous about it but anyway thanks again

[@jackhfletcher]

If you need more help, I recently posted another video doing this repair step-by-step on a Jeep Wrangler.

[@TheTrailblazer1974]

How do you release chain tension? I have bought two sets of the special tools and neither seems to work. Looks like they slide between block and tensioner with out pushing it down.

[@danielb4375]

What does a dealership normally charge for a job like this?

[@nopenope1958]

$2500

[@JM-cs1nc]

@@nopenope1958that’s not too bad

[@adjbob56]

Are the replacement rockers an "updated" part - or doomed to fail again? Chrysler knew there were problems for years and years - you would think they would have treated that rocker bearing like it was mission critical, like a rod bearing.

[@rc846]

Not if the Dealership is making $2,500.00 to fix them Too bad Chrysler, Dodge, Heep, & RAM can't build quality Valve Trains that last 250,000 miles like Toyota.

[@FredRamberg]

Great video! This job is just not that hard and the parts are not expensive even if you cams. Does anyone know where I can get this done for the "right" price in South Florida - being quoted $4K!

[@johnmccormack1064]

Let me know if you find a place, I'm also in SoFlo too. I'm actually headed up to SouthEast Jeeps in Stuart for some mods but I'll see what they quote me

[@jarretchalmers8553]

@jackfletcher what is the torque spec for the camshaft sprocket(vvt) bolt?

[@Spicy_miso_92]

How much does a job like that cost ? Minus the cam shaft replacement

[@rc846]

Will the new rockers last more than 80,000 miles? Or will the new rockers fail at 80,000 miles like the OEM

[@resolutejku]

This is the question I’ve been asking.

[@nopenope1958]

Honestly best video on this issues out there. My wifes 19 Jeep GC had the issue but thankfully under warranty. Otherwise id be doing it myself.

[@overlandhunter1181]

Awesome video. Is there any upgrade parts other than oem?

[@tjklosnick]

What would happen if I didn’t fix this ticking and just ignored it? What could potentially happen?

[@stephanekerouack6171]

You should put the rocker and the lifter in oil budget and it sock before

[@mauricechestnut4453]

How many of the these rocker arms need to be replaced is it just one?

[@Dutch800s]

Where could I get the tool that you mention that makes it so the cam shaft doesn't move? what is it called?

[@moganb.a7249]

How to you lock timing chain register? Can you explain it to me?

[@tylerhatch3907]

Question for you. When you turned the camshaft to align the sprocket, that doesn’t mess with the timing? Maybe I need to go watch a timing video lol!!

[@jackhfletcher]

No, because as long as the marks on the chain align with the marks on the sprockets, then the timing is good. On the front of the camshaft there is a little dowel pin, so the sprocket can only go on one way. By turning the camshaft, I was actually lining everything up properly. I’m not sure if I answered your question.

[@EzMDr]

This is supposed to be the most reliable chrysler motor. I wonder how reliable is the 2.0 Turbo in the Wrangler.

[@christopherwarner1355]

Is it bad that mine did this a lot for a long time and now it doesn’t anymore lmao but fuel sucks like crazy and it runs rough from time to time but still no check engine light🤣

[@kingchris447]

What’s the loud whine after you fixed and started it

[@rbjackpotslots4842]

⁠ @jackhfletcher Changed my rockers, and now getting a check engine… cps bank2 sensor B and multiple misfire…..will this need to be relearned or will it do it from driving? Thanks

[@jackhfletcher]

It shouldn’t do that. Something probably wasn’t put back properly or something got damaged. Bank 2 sensor B is the driver’s side exhaust cam. Check the cam sensor. Make sure it’s installed properly and make sure the wiring is good. You may have to pull the valve cover and see if the sensor or the target wheel on the exhaust cam is damaged. Actually, I just realized as I’m typing this that more than likely the timing is off if you removed the timing chain. Double check the timing.

[@rbjackpotslots4842]

@@jackhfletcher no actually a friend (mechanic) did it for me and didn’t remove the chain

[@jackhfletcher]

@rbjackpotslots4842 Check the other stuff then. I’ve done a bunch of these and I’ve never had to do any type of re-learn.

[@rbjackpotslots4842]

@@jackhfletcher ok thanks for the quick reply I screen shot this I will show him thanks again

[@jwarren2897]

I had the rocker arms and lifters replaced in my 2013 JeepJK. Probably 10-15k miles ago. Im now having noise on start up after the Jeep sits for a couple of days. It s kinda of like a ticking noise for 5 or 6 seconds then goes away. Are they going bad already?

[@jackhfletcher]

A lot of different vehicles tend to do that after sitting. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

[@originalgreek]

Was it expensive to have it done?

[@jwarren2897]

About $3500@ the jeep dealer

[@chaselesser3191]

@@jwarren2897Donyou think it’s the camshaft that’s bad? You said rocket arms and lifters, so I thought maybe they reused the old camshaft.

[@jesuscastillo6663]

i ended up getting a misfire code for cylinder 2 and engine started overheating. ( i did not burp it so maybe thats why its overheating?) any suggestions? Also i noticed that the alternator connector isnt locking properly but i will be switching out the connector tomorrow morning. I cleared the code restarted the jeep and it popped up (engine light) and went away 30 seconds later for the same code(misfire) Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@jackhfletcher]

Have you done any work to it recently? If so, what all has been done?

[@jesuscastillo6663]

@@jackhfletcher while i did the rocker arms i lifters i also replaced the pcv valve and oil cooler housing

[@jackhfletcher]

If the overheating didn’t start until you replaced the oil cooler, then you probably got air in the system. Take a flat head screwdriver and open the bleeder valve on top of the thermostat housing until you get coolant running out. I recommend using a spill free funnel and putting it on top of the radiator and filling it with coolant. Start it and let it run and warm up and then shut it off and let it cool down. You may have to do this a few times. Then remove the funnel, reinstall the radiator cap and go for a drive. It should be OK after that. As for the misfire, if you still had a cylinder two misfire before doing the lifters and rocker arms, then the problem probably lies elsewhere. But if the cylinder two misfire did not start until you replaced the rocker arms and lifters, then I would go back and double check all your work. Make sure your coils and injectors are plugged in properly, etc.

[@jesuscastillo6663]

@@jackhfletcher i just bles the system but still no heat and it starts overheating. Once the fan kicks in it starts to overflow on the funnel

[@themortgagefirm-kristysamp1701]

Any idea on cost for repair? Should I take my vehicle to Jeep for repair.

[@singhsingh8372]

Did you find how much cost this

[@DavidSanchez-jb1zt]

Is it the same thing to change out on a 2017 Jeep wrangler unlimited sport??

[@jackhfletcher]

Yes.

[@Sniperssx]

Do you think Mopar 5w30 good enghou or should go with other oil engine

[@jackhfletcher]

It’s good enough. Every mainstream oil on the market nowadays is good.

[@christopherecker5374]

Would this tick equate to an illuminated cel with misfire codes?

[@usnchief1339]

I have never experienced that. I have replaced my jeeps rockers numerous times.

[@Bobbybbops]

Is it normal to still hear a slight tick after replacing all rockers and lifters?

[@jackhfletcher]

You’ll always have a little bit of valvetrain noise so since you replaced all the rocker arms I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

[@Akosa117]

How important is it to fix this issue? If I just leave it will it eventually lead to more damage?

[@SummerEaze]

Transmission

[@vextechnet5865]

Cam will get bad wear and eventually fail on that valve with the worn lobe

[@gomekun69]

Can anyone point me to the location of #4 cylinder?

[@rnava3264]

Same on 3.8 litter?

[@kuwait9341]

‏The same problem I've dealt with is that I think Mopar oil is the problem or manufacturing flaw

[@subtoRey]

this problem is notorious in the 3.6 or even 5.7 pentastar engines

[@L0C00L]

Any idea of costs for this?

[@Fairyfamily123]

@L0C00L I just got quoted between $2K and $4K

[@robertfrancisco1193]

what brand for replacement rocker and lifters?

[@LC2025-e8n]

Oem? The oil filters pathetic design was always the issue.

[@robertfrancisco1193]

👍 THX@@LC2025-e8n

[@alexm3412]

What is the cost for this type of repair? I have the same issue

[@MultiGamer012]

Couple thousand, $2,500 seems like an average price for some shops with parts and labor

[@gradyhaberlan5989]

Get your hands dirty I know it seems like a big job and scary but it’s not too bad and you can save a few bucks the parts are pretty cheap and you don’t need super expensive tools

[@singhsingh8372]

How much cost this

[@adz762]

How long does this take you?

[@jackhfletcher]

The book time is around 6 hours I believe. That’s pretty close to how long it took me the first time, but I can do it quicker now.

[@adz762]

@@jackhfletcher thanks. I've got the exact same issue developing on my 2015 Wrangler at about 74k miles.

[@adz762]

@@jackhfletcher What does this cost to repair, typically?

[@jackhfletcher]

Those camshafts are about $500 each. The rocker arms are about $12 each. Plus gaskets, etc. So it depends on how many camshafts are damaged, if any. If only one is damaged, you’ll probably spend around $1500 or so.

[@macsalinas9994]

Do you know if the extended warranty covers it?

[@natebeavers7289]

So what causes the problem? Or do we just keep throwing parts at it?

[@jackhfletcher]

The rocker arms are cheaply made and the roller bearings fail. I guess you could say the cause is poor manufacturing quality.

[@rc846]

Too bad Chrysler, Dodge, Heep, & RAM can't build quality Valve Trains that last 250,000 miles like Toyota.@@jackhfletcher

[@shdw6662]

⁠@@rc846ford and GM have the same problems with the rocker arms due to them outsourcing parts. Just stfu already and go watch Toyota videos. This is like you’re 6th comment saying the same shit 😂

[@gabewl29]

Just had lifters, rocker arms, and cam shafts replaced on my 2015 Chrysler 200s with the 3.6L. Only had 130k on mine. Hopefully now that I replaced those, they will last for another 130k. But it’s a Chrysler…..so who knows?

[@BryantBates]

How much did that cost, if you don't mind me asking?

[@gabewl29]

@@BryantBates Too much. lol. It was about $3,100. I took mine to a private mechanic too, not a dealership. At a dealership, it probably would have been $5k+. But again I had all camshafts, lifters, and rocker arms replaced. One camshaft alone for the 3.6L is like $450 right now just for the part. Multiply that by 4 and you’re already at $1,800.

[@BryantBates]

@@gabewl29 that's not as bad as I had thought it would be lol. When I had the lifters replaced in my 14 Wrangler, it was almost 3k a couple years ago. But that was at a dealership.

[@busdriver9007]

do the 2.4L have the same problem ???

[@jackhfletcher]

No. I’ve never seen a 2.4 with this problem.

[@busdriver9007]

@@jackhfletcher can i send you a video

[@busdriver9007]

can i send you a video@@jackhfletcher

[@byd3k157]

Thanks for posting this. I have this issue now on a 2016 JK with < 40k. The engine started ticking and hopefully the piston is okay. Is this considered a lemon or known defect with the 2016 engine? I'm having this repaired now, however with a few more grand, I probably could have put a down payment on another Jeep.

[@sherifhamdy9229]

Common problem from 2011 till 2016

[@devonslife7970]

I had my oil changed at my dealership and they forgot to tighten the oil filter the low oil pressure light came on then the check engine light while me and my seven year old were driving on a very busy highway the jeep lost power almost got in a really bad accident got it towed dealership said nothing was wrong now it makes this noise it only had 2 quarts of oil but nothing was wrong 😂 what do you think are they trying to cover their ass 😮

[@kennethhecht3354]

Got a jeep with a bad cam lobe. It more than scored it.

[@calibee64devers73]

So the sound is not normal

[@jackhfletcher]

No, they’re supposed to be relatively quiet. If you hear a lot of tapping noises then there’s definitely an issue. Sometimes it will progress to the point where you’ll get a check engine light and the vehicle will start misfiring and running rough. On the Jeep in this video, it actually hadn’t progressed to that point yet but it was just loud.

[@cukhoaimi7033]

thats was easy, very good video save me fills hundred dollar lol😅

[@user-xw6cr4pu9m]

Chrysler: Purveyors of disappointment for over 100 years

[@WoWgen123]

Was going to buy my girlfriend a 2016+ jeep GC with the 3.6 since i knew 5.7 is junk but after watching this and your jeep video... Might have to just keep our non DOD/AFM 2009 Cadillac escalade.

[@jackhfletcher]

I’d stay away from any Chrysler product.

[@nopenope1958]

Agree with the other comment. Stay away from Dodge Jeep Chrysler... I've had all 3, last being a jeep my wife got and dealing with this headache now. $2500 under warranty.

[@realtalk193]

@@nopenope1958you had warranty or didn’t ?

[@nopenope1958]

@@realtalk193 Have extended warranty. I always get them for every car purchased.

[@NessNik]

I have a 2015 JK andni only have 35k on the engine and mine is Ticking, what a shity design.

[@GORT70]

The best way to avoid this problem is to not buy Jeep.

[@rc846]

Too bad Chrysler, Dodge, Heep, RAM can't build quality Valve Trains that last 250,000 miles like Toyota.

[@SpiKSpaN-ei6zq]

Awful quality from Chrysler.

[@trapperkeeper6202]

Do you recommend oem or generic?

[@TheQuirby]

What should a customer expect to pay a shop for a job like this?

[@jackhfletcher]

It depends. Just for one side of the engine, the lifters and rocker arms are about $260 in parts, and the camshafts are $500 each. Then expect to pay about 5 or 6 hours of labor.

[@armingelloagan5216]

2 shops told me to replaced engine around 8k to 10 k I opened the top and found the same rocker arm is bad

[@sarahobrien8820]

@@armingelloagan5216 this gives me hope because I just got told the same thing

[@billythegreat5616]

What is the main reason these fail I have a 2014 wrangler I run full synthetic oil in it and and a quart of Lucas oil supplement and change oil every 4000 miles I am hoping this helps keep this from happening to my 3.6.

[@Arvord]

It won’t once you get 70-85k it comes I changed my oil every 5k and did nothing. My friends have the same problem

[@thesickening0169]

I've heard that the problem lies with the cartridge type filter, that it drains oil out of the top of the motor too quickly once the engine is shut off. There's supposed to be an adapter to where you can use a canister type oil filter, that have an anti-drain valve in them to keep oil in the top of the engine once shut off.