Hello,

I am new to the forum, and was hoping I could get some opinions and information from the group. I just finished test driving a '97 Montero SR with 174K mi. It is fully loaded with sunroof, leather, adjustable suspension, etc. It had the 3.5l motor and an automatic transmission. Everything drove nice, the suspension adjusted fine, the 4x4 was in working order, etc. The only thing I wasn't too sure on was a ticking noise coming from the motor. It sounded like valve noise, as it sped up and down with the RPMs. The motor still seemed to pull strong.

My main questions:
1: Is the noise something to worry about - if so, what would cause it and how much would the repair cost? I can do some mechanicals myself as well.

2: The rear door won't open from the inside or outside - is this easy to fix / common / expensive?

3: Are there any things I should checkout during my next visit? Breaking points, common failures, telling signs, etc.

4: The guy is asking $4800 for it - does this sound reasonable?

Any information is helpful, and thanks in advance

--buba

Everyone, correct me if I am wrong.

Let it idle for a few minutes and see if it smokes, usually worn valve seals. You can drive a lot of miles with the smoking. I have and my dad has the truck now. That is on a 91.

Ticking is probably hydro valve lash adjusters, I cant say 100% that is what it is. Those are fairly easy to change out on an early motor, looks more complicated on newer ones. Still not too hard.

SOunds like a good price, check Ebay to see how much similar ones go for.

Most of my experience if with gen1s. Others will post up.

BOTH our GenIIs give us problems with the rear gate...about every couple years. Simple fix usually...just clean and lube. Your '97 could be different.

Try to look inside the engine at the general color in there. Say a flashlight through the oil filler.
If it was treated to good oil all it's life it should be a nice golden color in there. If it had crap oil it will be black and sludge covered.
The lifters may quiet down with clean oil and new filter but if it has had a life of crappy oil then it may start feeling old soon, and that gets expensive.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I forgot to mention that the brake indicator light was on. This is the light that would come on when the parking brake is engaged. Is this just a sensor, or something more serious?

Thanks again
--buba

Check brake fluid level
Russ <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

HLA noise can be greatly effected by oil grade and quality of oil filter. My '97 has 110K on it and it's a little noisey at idle. It isn't HLA click, but it doesn't sound smooth until the revs are increased a little. I'm not worried about it.

Brake should come on if parking brake is on and if low on fluid. Sometimes that little float will get stuck.

Where are you located?

Sorry, I didn't update my profile yet. I am in Colorado.

--buba