98 cherokee has some issues!
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
98 cherokee has some issues!
I recently bought a 98 cherokee 4.0. I got it cheap because it has some major cosmetic issues and a few mechanical issues. It ran fine until a couple weeks ago when it started to die randomly while the a.c. was running. Shortly after, the distributor went out of time, the oil pressure gauge would randomly drop and spike and it started idling rough. Best I can tell about the rough idle is a seized lifter as one of the rockers on cylinder two is hardly moving. My question is, can a faulty oil pump be the culprit? I'd hate to put that much work into something that's not the root cause. Please help!
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
I'd be worried about the camshaft since you have an issue with lifting the valves and with the distributor.
You can remove the rods and lifters once the valve cover and rocker arm brackets are removed.
Post photographs of them and keep them all in order.
You can remove the rods and lifters once the valve cover and rocker arm brackets are removed.
Post photographs of them and keep them all in order.
#3
It's pretty easy to remove and inspect the distributor. The timing is pretty simple on these. s long as the cam timing is correct, the distributor can only go in one way. I would start by removing the valve cover, then you can check the valves or remove the rocker arms altogether to inspect. Once you pull the rocker arms, you can pull the push rods. You have to pull the head to look at the lifters.
You can put the engine at TDC and then remove the distributor for inspection. I have had to replace the distributor on my 99 due to the shaft wearing (at 245k miles). It can be tricky to get back in, but can really only go in one way. I highly doubt that the distributor went out of timing on your Jeep.
I have taken out two oil pumps(a 98 and a 99) and both seemed like new. I replaced the first one and didn't bother with the second one. If your oil pump is worn, you have major problems.
You can put the engine at TDC and then remove the distributor for inspection. I have had to replace the distributor on my 99 due to the shaft wearing (at 245k miles). It can be tricky to get back in, but can really only go in one way. I highly doubt that the distributor went out of timing on your Jeep.
I have taken out two oil pumps(a 98 and a 99) and both seemed like new. I replaced the first one and didn't bother with the second one. If your oil pump is worn, you have major problems.
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
Maybe the distributor needs replacing. That could be why the timing was thrown. I'd open the case and look at the chain and gears at this point. It is a bit of labor and one gasket of cost away from a photograph.
Also, how is the condition of the crankshaft pulley? Good solid rubber connection and no play?
Whenever you remove the serpentine is a good time to check all of the pulleys really.
Also, how is the condition of the crankshaft pulley? Good solid rubber connection and no play?
Whenever you remove the serpentine is a good time to check all of the pulleys really.
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At this point I have replaced the crankshaft position sensor, camshaft sensor, distributor, lifters, water pump (not that it has anything to do with timing), bought a new head to put on as a compression test pointed towards bent valves, and I will be replacing the crank and cam shaft sprockets with the timing chain. I have the parts and hopefully will have the case opened today so I can post some pictures.
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