Especially after my most recent gremlins I've been hunting down on my XJ, and finally (I think) finding the root cause and fixing it.... I got to looking at the forum as a whole and it dawned on me that it seems like 90% of the threads are titled "help me fix *blank* that went wrong".... you know, Jeep wouldn't start today, stalling issues, grinding noises, death wobble, the list goes on and on.... (Which is good, we all help each other out when we need that assistance in fixing the problems).....so in light of the fact that I think I have the XJ patched up into working the way she should for a change, thought it would be nice to have a thread on here that we can all post of things that we did with or in our Jeeps today that went RIGHT for a change.

So I'll start it off with what was the most recent success on mine...
She kept stalling on me, not shutting off, but losing power. Specific conditions didn't seem to have an affect... ambient outside air temp for the day, what road, speed, engine warmed to opt. temp or cold. Did all my checks for vac leaks, tested fuel system, etc. All came back with good results.

So just for giggles, I decided to pull the TB, IAC, off and see it's condition, and give it a good clean. Didn't think the TB had ever been off of it before, but when I went to take the bolts out, they were all barely even hand tight without a wrench/socket. So there was my first clue. I think I was getting air straight through the side when accelerating or at speed. Then under the TB valve, it was just about the most carbon buildup I've seen on one, and I've done a lot of them over the years. So pulled it all apart, cleaned it to be nice and shiny again. Also getting the build up off of/in the port for the MAP sensor, and put it back together with a new gasket, old one didn't seem to be doing it's job to begin with (especially with the material it was made out of).
This is now going on day 3 in all different temps and so far, the issue has not returned after putting a good 50 miles on it. (knock on wood)

so again.... we love our Jeeps, even though they often times throw a fit or two... so here's to a thread to show them a little appreciation.

 

I've had my XJ for 10 years, 70K miles and, other than a mud-drenched alternator that quit and a couple of dead batteries, it's been 100% reliable. Even with the dead batteries and alternator, I still got home.

The only work I've done that went "wrong" was installing some leaky 4-hole injectors from ebay that caused hard starts, but that was fixed easily enough.

How's that?

 

I had the standard oil filter adapter leak just like pretty much everyone else. So I set about getting that thing off and changing the o-rings. I planned for a very long difficult job.

Turned out... it only took me about 30 minutes start to finish, which included removing the starter. I used a T60 torx shank (pressed out of a torx socket), a 12mm flarenut crowsfoot, and a 3/8 breaker bar. Came right off with no problem. Heh.

Replaced the gaskets, cleaned it up, put it back on, reinstalled the starter, problem solved. No more leaks. Super easy job.


-T.

 

I got in my Jeep and fired it up and it put a smile on my face.

Also today is the first time in the 6m or so that I've owned it that I have a full tank of gas. I went to the gas station and figured I'd do the undercarriage car wash to make sure the road salt is off and since you get a discount on the gas, I filled it up. Then I went to go through the car wash and it was out of order.

I guess that's a sign I need to do the proper pressure scrub and fluid filming that's on the minor "to-do" agenda.

 

Nice! I'm doing mine at my next oil change (since I'll be oily at that time anyway).

 

I recently did the headlight upgrade. That was easier than I expected. I just assumed there was wire splicing and didn't realize it was -literally- plug and play. Removing the headlight bezel (which I'd been dreading since I had to get creative with hardware due to damage from the PO) went beautifully and the ****-eyed headlight that I had snapped into place so both beams were straight again.

My coolant flush and HCV elimination I did a few weekends ago went straight textbook as well.

 

I also did a heater core flush awhile back. It went, as you say, textbook. I was happy about that.

My only problem ended up being what to do with the waste coolant. Auto parts shops won't take it, only oil.


-T.

 

At least where I live towns will periodically have "hazardous waste disposal day" where you can get rid of household chemicals, old paint, etc. Antifreeze is usually on the list.
Of course, we also have a state law that requires the auto parts stores, Walmarts, etc to accept old antifreeze, so it's not a prob here.

If you're close to CA you might see if they have the same law and run it over the border to an Autozone there.

 

the time consuming job of restoring the complete interior, headliner, visors, seats, carpet, console all removed, cleaned and new material and patched leaks and now everything is DRY!! all broken interior light bulbs work again. my wife said 'we have a new jeep' hehe all this work sure paid off and its a pleasure driving it no stinky odors or moldy carpet.. i would say this all went "right" but didnt happen over night

Marc

and enjoyed a beer after each project

edit: its a very nice feeling to finally get on top of all maintenance and get to look for something more luxery, lift, wheels, tires, fog lights and where does it end

 

did mine on the first oil change that I did on her. Wasn't leaking bad...but like you... figured while I was in there, might as well. Knock on wood... hasn't used a drop of oil since that I can find.

 

And very satisfying to know that it was all DIY. Those are always the projects that I tend to appreciate more.

 

Mine is still doing good for now, which is good... but definitely want to tackle that project in a month or so... to keep it working that way. Tearing the whole dash out if it went south and started leaking, is NOT my idea of a fun project. lol.

 

that's cool.. I've had to put a fair bit into mine as while the body is straight and darn near entirely rust free.... the PO failed to do a lot of general maint. that needed addressing. He took care of the motor and trans...but other things like tierod ends, steering gear, brakes, etc. were at the point of needing attention.

 

It didnt fall off the jack stands. Yea, thats about all I got...

 

I've put a fair bit into mine as well, but it helped buying mine with <100K miles on it. I was just making a comment about reliability, but that is mostly due to my being OCD about maintenance and trying to catch things before they become a problem. The slightest little abnormal noise sets me off. Of course that means I have to know all the normal noises well also which, as you know, are aplenty in an XJ. lol

Things usually go right though, and it helps that the XJ is fairly easy to work on...

I was just thinking that maybe this topic should be in "Cherokee chat"? It's along the same lines as "what did you do to your Cherokee today?"