American Motors: loud, tinny noise, piston slap, cherokee six

Question
There are no Jeep experts on All Experts, so I chose you.  Here's the deal...1989 Jeep Cherokee six cylinder 4.0 ...Started hearing this irksome clinking, clanking noise as vehicle idled...tried to find what it was...when I peered into the engine sounded like it was under...when I went under it sounded on top...now it is so loud it is embarassing and I don't want to drive it.  Any ideas?

Answer
Dick,
I would suggest going down to your local auto parts store and purchasing an automotive stethoscope. With the engine running, carefully check around and find out where the noise is the loudest. It could be piston slap, lifters, rod bearings, etc. Use the stethoscope to better isolate the location of the noise.
Good luck.