[SpookyZalost]

So as it turns out there's a huge oil leak from the cracked timing chain cover.

the mechanic told me that if I replace it he can do the flush then, but effectively the engine isn't maintaining oil pressure.

no biggie, just need to remove the harmonic balancer and swap the cover and gasket.

so I've got the cover ordered and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

hopefully I'll have this taken care of and I can maybe get the jeep in next week?

though if this solves it I'll see if I can get it past emissions first and get it on the road to save time, while I'm there I'm also going to check the timing chain since I'll have access to it.

oh, and the mechanic didn't charge me anything this time after finding the problem with the timing cover, so I'm definitely going back, not only has he been up front with me but the costs were reasonable when we were discussing things yesterday.

also that knocking sound stopped while I was driving it but it was just a sticky valve lifter so that's why i'm going to have the engine flushed and stuff.