1997 Cherokee (XJ, 4.0L, 4x4) 180K miles. I cannot figure this one out. Jeep always starts and runs great, except after I do a lot of stopping and starting due to running errands. After about the 4th or 5th place it will crank but doesn't want to actually start. I have to try/wait for about 10 minutes for it to stumble its way to starting, after which it runs fine, but I better not turn it off again or it will continue doing that until I let it rest for several hours. Any ideas? This one is driving me nuts! Thanks!

 

Hot start trouble is usually one of four things:
1) CPS on the way out
2) Ignition coil on the way out
3) Fuel pump on the way out
4) Heat soaked injectors (more often causes rough idle, not complete failure to start)

I'd start by checking for presence of fuel and spark next time it won't start, see which you are missing.

 

Can we rule out any of the hot start causes due to the fact that it runs perfectly once it does start?

 

Replaced crank sensor. Starts every time. Thanks.

 

Do you recall the exact set up you used to get to it? I struggled finding the right combo of extensions and u-joints. I had to go to work so I had to wrap things up early. Any pointers would help out. And were the bolts 11mm?

 

Use 2 3/8 1ft extensions with a u joint and 10mm. Of course from under the jeep. When you go to re install the bolt reach around the exhaust and hand thread them in...Good luck!

 

I used about 3 feet of extension so I could use the ratchet from behind the transfer case. Just routed the extension along the body until I got it up to the bell housing. I didn't use a u-joint , though I had it. Instead just put a deep socket 11 on the end. The length of the extensions gave enough flex to get lined up. I had one hand back on the ratchet and the other up between the transmission shifting lever and body to guide it into place. I was barely able to squeeze my arm up between the body and trans to get fingers on the bolts. I also found I could reach up with my other arm from the engine side of the trans and reach over the bell housing. This was most helpful for getting the top bolt started. This is not the ideal way to do it. I just decided I wanted to get it done. Last time I did this I dropped the transfer case down with my jack until it created a nice gap to get into. Made things much easier.

 

That sounds like how I ended up doing it. I read a lot of write ups on how to do it but only the one on our sire told you where you should be to get it. For me, I laid down under the xj with my head by the frame (drivers side) and feet out under the passenger side. With my left arm, I was able to squeeze it up and around the bell housing (you'll need to put your arm up by where the exhaust pipe has that crimp in it). And then I used the rachet socket combo also posted on this site to get in there. The left hand was used to guide the socket onto which ever bolts I wanted. For me I did the top first and then used a telescoping magnet to get the bolt down so it wouldn't fall into the bell housing. Repeat same steps for the bottom bolt as well. It would help if the xj was jacked up a little but I was able to get it done with only 2" of lift.