So i recently bought an 89 cherokee that wouldnt run for 400 buck. It will run off carb cleaner and start on its own but instantly dies without carb cleaner to aid it. I replaced the distributor with a used one to do the cam sensor and that is when it would start without carb cleaner but die instantly. suggestion?

 

If it runs while you're spraying carb cleaner, I would suspect it is a fuel delivery issue. Have you checked your fuel pressure? Can you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key to the "on" position? When was the fuel filter last changed?

 

Give us a little more detail. Engine size and trans. Verify fuel pressure at the rail with a guage. Also check out Cruiser54s mostly renix tips. Do tip 1-5 and 27 for a good start.
Tips are here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

 

Has 4.0 inline 6 with automatic.
So the prev owner told me one day it just stopped working. Which leads me to believe it was probably cam sensor. I'm buying a brand new distributor tonight to be sure it actually is good. Because when it had the old one it would only start and run off carb cleaner. now it starts on its own just dies instantly

 

and i want to be 100% that vehicle that this dizzy is off of didn't come from there for that reason

 

I'd still do cruisers tip. You won't regret it.

 

Dude, the avenue to pursue is staring you in the face!!!

Lack of fuel.

Your Jeep has no cam sensor in the distributor. It's a sync generator for the injectors. It will run with it unplugged.

Please avoid disaster and address the fuel delivery issue first.

 

I do not understand this line of reasoning AT ALL... Why you're lead to believe it is the cam sensor, just because "one day it just stopped working" is beyond me.

AND, why you buy a brand new distributor, when you really have no idea what is wrong, is beyond me.

All in all, I wish you the best in getting it running, but I think offering advice on this one, might be beyond me.

 

Welcome to CF.

Cool videos!!

 

Thanks Cruiser... This forum has been so helpful to me, I just try and help out where I can with my limited knowledge base.

Picking up a 90 XJ at the end of the month, for my lovely bride to drive, and really can't put a price on the knowledge you have imparted in your Renix Tips! I'll be having some fun, making videos about all of your tips, as I work my way through them.

 

That would be really cool. Keep in touch and let me know if I can be of any help.

 

As mentioned, don't waste your money on distributor as yours is probably fine. Get a fuel pressure gauge and see if you have fuel pressure..

Do you hear the pump cycle when you turn on the key? I am leaning toward bad fuel pump or relay.