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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I do 5k, so that it is always aligned with my odometer. 80k, 85k, 90k, 100k, etc. Sometimes it gets extra bonus services and new lube/fluids if I have done extra amounts of towing, camping, etc.
I've been using the Shell Rotella T6 stuff for a few years & change around 5K miles. Doesn't use any oil, but leaks a small bit, at 205,000 miles....This is actually the wife's Jeep, and I'm just the lucky guy to maintain it !!
Jeep Service manual for my 98 XJ has two maintenance schedules
SCHEDULE—A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
† Change engine oil. † Replace engine oil filter.
SCHEDULE—B
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
† Change engine oil. † Replace engine oil filter.
Schedule—A, lists maintenance recommended for vehicles used for general transportation.
Schedule—B, lists maintenance recommended for vehicles used under the following conditions:
† Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8km)
† Frequent driving in dusty conditions
† Frequent trailer towing
† Extensive idling
† More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
† Off road driving
† Desert operation
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.
I think the service intervals are written before synthetic motor oils became mainstream. There are Xj owners with 4.0L, who have used Mobil One Synthetic extended motor oil and filter. (both oil and filter are rated for up to 15k) that just changed the oil and filter every 15k without any problems.
The 4.0L engine isn't all that refined as many modern aluminum block engines, however imo it's tougher than most refined alum block engines and typicality achieves 300,000 miles and higher, some have gotten over 400,000 miles with only normal repairs such as replacing the alternator and other parts connected tot he engine.
I think if driving as Schedule B yes you need to change every 3k and possibly 2.5k, however for common driving (not similar or listed under Schedule B) you can potentially go up to 7,500. I think it depends on driving conditions & habits, the type of oil and filter your using and other vehicle maintenance (the engine connected and works in conjunction with the condition of the entire vehicle).
Personally while regular duty (schedule A) I changed motor oil every 4 to 5k in my 98 XJ using Mobil One synthetic. Currently with ~203k it has Mobil One high mileage synthetic motor oil installed the last several motor oil changes. I also use either Mobil One or Amsoil oil filters, found by the case, cost $8..00 per filter Also early on switch from the small filter to the larger one that holds more dirt, etc. I find using synthetic oil and larger synthetic filters gives me more leeway between oil change intervals especially when off-road sever duty at 3k intervals.
I probably could perform an oil and filter change every 7,500 miles (schedule A), however I want the XJ to last a while, trying for at least 300,000 miles from the 4.0L, possibly ~350,000+ miles.
There are people who claim to have over 400k (iirc close to 450k) on the original XJ 4.0L engine (purchased brand new) without any overhauls and the XJ is still running ok.
running the oil and filter combo you’re running you’re wasting a lot of money changing it that soon in my opinion . If you’re going to change it that often might try something cheaper just my .02
running the oil and filter combo you’re running you’re wasting a lot of money changing it that soon in my opinion . If you’re going to change it that often might try something cheaper just my .02
Yeah I think you're right. In the past I've thought about of going with a less expensive motor oil. However I've been purchasing the 5 quart containers from a Walmart rather than shop around for another oil. I just kept purchasing Walmart's Mobil One. I thought about purchasing a Walmart brand 10-30 weight either dino, blend or synthetic.
Most (Schedule A)'s have been changing their oil every 3k for decades even though the recommended length longer such as 7.5K.
I'm usually around every 5k or when I have the time as I don't usually write the mileage down and guesstimate how many miles. Normally change the oil when when I think it needs to be changed (I look at the odometer every once in a while, and estimated oil changes has been every 4k to 5k, for the XJ.
So the 4k to 6k is an approx. estimate for the XJ. I'm uncertain about the interval for the ZJ which has a 4.0L. and recently changed it's engine, transmission, transfer case and differential fluids.
Years ago we didn't keep track of miles we just checked the color and smell of the motor oil and if needed to be changed.
There wasn't much of a cost difference between motor oils, which usually came as single grade and mult-grade options. I remember from when young many or most vehicles running 30 weight. 30 to 35 weight was commonly run depending on the climate or season.
Yeah I think you're right. In the past I've thought about of going with a less expensive motor oil. However I've been purchasing the 5 quart containers from a Walmart rather than shop around for another oil. I just kept purchasing Walmart's Mobil One. I thought about purchasing a Walmart brand 30-40 weight either dino, blend or synthetic.
Most (Schedule A)'s have been changing their oil every 3k for decades even though the recommended length longer such as 7.5K.
I'm usually around every 5k or when I have the time as I don't usually write the mileage down and forget how many miles. So I normally change the oil when I feel like it needs it.
Sometimes I change because of the weather.
So the 4k to 5k is an approx. estimate.
I understand ! I put on around 30,000 miles a year just commuting to and from the shop I work at and I run Mobil 1 full synthetic high mileage and an ac delco , wix or Mobil 1 filter also about 3 times a year and I’ve been doing that to the same s10 for 100k now with no adding between changes and several other vehicles in the past several years . So I’m just saying depending on your driving habits you could probably do longer intervals or run a cheaper set up , just felt like making conversation about it . Personally I think the biggest factor in shortening oil change intervals is your “commute” if you drive a real short commute condensation can build up in the oil and not have a chance to get burned out by a good heat cycle . You’ll see milky buildup a lot of times on vehicles with a constant short commute from this in the oil fill cap. A lot of people freak out and think they have a blown head gasket but most times that’s the explanation . So it’s my firm belief it’s good to get some highway mileage on a fairly regular basis to avoid buildup and if you don’t I’d shorten my mileage between services . That’s just my opinion though .
Jeep Service manual for my 98 XJ has two maintenance schedules
SCHEDULE—A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
† Change engine oil. † Replace engine oil filter.
This makes me feel a little better because with the limited driving and short trips was thinking maybe I should be changing my oil just a little more frequently then every 6 months despite the fact that there is about 1500 miles on the oil. Tops 2500 miles.
Originally Posted by steelybill
I've been using the Shell Rotella T6 stuff for a few years & change around 5K miles. Doesn't use any oil, but leaks a small bit, at 205,000 miles....This is actually the wife's Jeep, and I'm just the lucky guy to maintain it !!
Not to get off topic but any idea where those running boards are from? They look factory but am unaware of ones for '96 and down models. Just '97 and up like I have.
Call me a nit, but I change my oil every 2000 miles on all my vehicles.
That being said when I was 16 I drove my parents' 1994 XJ 30,000 miles over a summer without changing or adding oil.
I assumed they were maintaining their car. They were not.
Six times a year is my current schedule for oil changes. I drive below the national average (12,000) but it's mostly surface streets. Constantly accelerating/decelerating on a 22+ y/o engine ('96 XJ) pushes me to keep a clean lubrication system. I'm thinking a new oil pump might also be a good preventive maintenance item.
Early automobiles didn't use engine oil filters and very frequent oil changes were required.
In 1923 the first patented oil filter was invented, named and marketed as the Purolator. It essentially was a bypass filter where most of the oil would flow to engine parts and a smaller portion would flow to a bypass filter which would filter all of the engine oil over a period of time. Today's engines mostly use a full flow filter which don't filter nearly as well as bypass filter but filters higher volume by rapidly opening and closing from oil pressure.
I can remember from many years ago changing the bypass filters in older trucks, the filter looked like a toilet paper roll or could be replaced with a toilet paper roll instead of buying a filter.
Bypass filters filter at lower microns than full flow filters. Filtering is slower but the filtering captures smaller particles, eventually overtime all the engine oil is filtered. So I think in the long run with a bypass filter your engines going to be running using cleaner oil than regular oil changes. Dirty oil ages and oxidizes quicker.
Newer bypass filters such as from Amsoil where the entire canister is replaced, Amsoil Ea filters, filter with 98.7 percent efficiency down to 2 microns . Several years ago I picked one up with the filter hardware, mounts, hoses, etc. but haven't ever installed it on a Jeep. ~$25.00 is the approx cost for an oil analysis test. Which provides a detailed break down of engine wear. Bypass filters are used more often on trucks and fleet vehicles to reduce the cost of engine maintenance. Fewer oil changes = less cost.
Depending on the vehicle, engine how it's driven ,etc. I've read using an Amsoil bypass filter you can average 60,000 miles between oil changes using their smallest bypass filter.
60,000 miles / 3,000 miles = approx. cost is 20 oil changes (20 x 8 quarts oil + 20 oil filters. = 160 quarts of oil ) or 60,000 / 7.500 miles = approx. cost of 8 oil changes (8 x 8 quarts oil + 8 oil filters = 64 quarts of oil)
Mobli 1 high mileage is ~$5.00 per quart x 8 quarts = $40.00 per oil change. if you average 5k between oil changes = 12 oil change = $480.00 + cost of full flow filters.
Amsoil canister bypass filters aren't that expensive. Potentially only need to replace every 60,000 miles along with 8 quarts of oil. ( if you have a bypass filter that uses a toilet paper roll you only need to pay for the toilet paper.)
The expense is in the oil tests and how frequent tests are required. Also the cost of the oil being used is a factor, normally a higher grade full synthetic oil is used. There are different qualities of synthetic oil depending on the base stock used and other factors in the formula.
If oil tests are needed every 25k would likely save some money. approx. only require 2 or 3 tests every ~60,000 miles plus the cost of 2 or 3 full flow filters.
Depending on the type of oil being used you might be able to save money using a bypass filter. More expensive motor oils such as from Amsoil the oil designed to last much longer than conventional motor oils, it doesn't oxidize and age the same as most common motor oils and produces better lubrication. The oil was designed to run in more expensive machinery, but can be run in any vehicle. If using Amsoil motor oil, because of the cost I would recommend using a bypass filter. Tentatively would only require changing the bypass filter and motor oil every 60,000 miles, an oil analysis test and full flow filter every 25k,
Amsoil Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oi is $100.00 for 2 gallons (8 quarts). The EABP90 is ~$40.00, so with a full flow filter change, total amount every 60,000 miles for oil and filters = ~$150.00. Plus changing the full flow filter and oil analysis tests every 25k, $20.00 - $25.00 for each test. would be at least another $35.00. min. $185.00 total
In comparison using Mobil 1 and a $10.00 filter cost will be ~600.00 every 60,000 miles
It think it's mainly people driving cars and pickup trucks feel safer changing oil every 3k - 7.5k using standard motor oils and full flow filters.
Googling full flow and bypass filters, results =
With a bypass system, you would go 25,000 miles, change the bypass filters and take an oil sample; the results would dictate if you needed to change your oil. Using that system, most newer engines are able to go 150,000 to 200,000 miles without an oil change.
There are various articles about using a bypass filter with a full flow filter. Oil testing, bypass and full flow intervals, as well as the quality of oil may differ.
Here's a link to one article about experiences of one person using an oil bypass filter in his vehicles.
My Dad got 400k on his 94 XJ - he bought it new - completely original engine, never had any work done on the engine and it still ran perfect at 400k when he retired it.
I bought a 00 TJ, brand new, and drove it for 302k. I had a valve spring break, but no other work on the engine (never changed the orig 0331 head) and it still runs perfectly today.
Both Jeeps were just Mobil one every 5k.
Call me a nit, but I change my oil every 2000 miles on all my vehicles.
Originally Posted by Idunno
Six times a year is my current schedule for oil changes. I drive below the national average (12,000) but it's mostly surface streets. Constantly accelerating/decelerating on a 22+ y/o engine ('96 XJ) pushes me to keep a clean lubrication system. I'm thinking a new oil pump might also be a good preventive maintenance item.
11-21-2018, 07:50 PM
