Loud Engine Noise Cracking and Rattling

[SubiPete]

Our Liberty 3.7L (2004) split its radiator this week while driving. We got it towed home and allowed it all to cool etc for a day. Now when I run the engine - (which starts easily still), I get a loud ticking noise accompanied with an intermittent "crack" or loud "pop"
In reading many posts I see there is a feeling towards the valve lifters being seized or slow, or even a lifter coming loose. I don't get a check engine light or code etc.
I only run it for a few minutes at time to allow the oil to get up to any lifters, the oil was low when the water escaped. Now all topped up etc. I think the ticking is less, but still there.
I read about spark plugs being loose as a possible cause and even loose exhaust manifold bolts. So I am resigned to taking the top of the engine apart (I am OK with the mechanics and the other posts here are really helpful for me to do that) Just looking for feedback from other members if they have experienced the same. I have a short video to illustrate, but don't think i can attach / upload it to this post. I have a YouTube link:

https://youtu.be/-J1EgSwyYVc

[YT]https://youtu.be/-J1EgSwyYVc[/YT]

 

[dude1116]

Broken rocker arm?

 

[SubiPete]

Thanks

Thanks for looking and commenting, I am hoping you're right and will start to strip it down tonight. I did partially (?) remove the RH Cover (Looking from the front) and could see / feel all the arms were in place. Tonight I'll do the left hand cover and see whats underneath.

 

[SubiPete]

Booyah!

Here it is and thanks to Dude for calling it! One well out of place rocker arm. Thanks for all the information on here, now all I have to do is get it back where it belongs:

 

[ltd02]

Here it is and thanks to Dude for calling it! One well out of place rocker arm. Thanks for all the information on here, now all I have to do is get it back where it belongs:

Happened to me a couple times. Just Google "fallen Rocker arm" and you'll get all kinds of suggestions. I just popped mine back on with a big old screwdriver. Now that I have a rocker arm tool, it hasn't happened again. :shrug:

 

[CactusJacked]

Just keep a watchful eye, and ear on it. One reason for a rocker arm popping off is a dropped, then momentarily stuck down valve seat, which is not all that uncommon on the 3.7 and 4.7. Rocker arms generally don't fly off just for the hell of it.

 

[uss2defiant]

stuck valve due to sludge?

 

[ltd02]

stuck valve due to sludge?

Or a lazy lash adjuster.