96 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[barlowdo]

Had the engine running last nite on the 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6 cylinder inline Fuel Injection.

While I was adding freon to the AC system I could hear a clacking sound coming from ignition cap side of the engine block.

I had heard this on previous occasions and thought it was caused by fuel injection relays opening and closing.

I would not have thought more of it but after the last oil change a check engine light would appear after long hot driving. This would happen after pulling off a highway and stopping for a red light for example. It seems that the idle is dropping so low that the engine wants to stall.

I never had this problem before the last oil change.

At the time of the oil change with 100,000 showing on the odometer the mechanic replaced the distributer cap , and I believe rotor if this Jeep uses one as well as wires, plugs, and fuel filter. All parts were factory Chrysler parts.

So anyway this sound I was hearing now took on a whole different meaning . I got thinking , maybe it is a rod knocking or something along those lines.

I than got a long wooden stick and held one end to my ear and the other end to various components of the engine.

I found that the sound is definately coming from the distributer .

Any guesses on what could be making this noise ? I can't believe it is normal. And I hope the gear on the end of the distributer shaft is not going.

Thanks for any help,

DON