The Jeep Creep - Questions and Answers - April 2005 - By Off-Road.com - - Jeep at Off-Road.com
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The Jeep Creep - Questions and Answers - April 2005 - By Off-Road.com

Off-Road.com
Jeep at Off-Road.com
Greetings from the Palouse! It's SPRING and things are greening up here on the Palouse. The Winter wheat is starting to grow and the farmers are worried because California got all our rain this winter. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm willing to share all that Pacific Northwest rain, but here in Eastern Washington it can get mighty hot and dry. Translate that to blowing sagebrush, howling coyotes and desert. So, if the JeepCreep column isn't available in August, you'll all know I died from thirst! But, looking on the bright side, there's not going to be any muddy roads ( I hate mud!) or washing the Jeep. I can suffer with that. Now that summer is coming a young man's fancy turns to bigger, badder engines. They look at that Wrangler with four angry squirrels under the hood and think: "I could go faster if I had a bigger engine." Then something happens in his brain and his neither regions take over and the brain disengages... the scheming begins. The idea of an engine swap starts to form and eat away at what was once nice, happy and normal brain cells. Soon all logic is thrown out of the window and the idea becomes all consuming. I'm sure you'd all be surprised at how many questions I get on swapping little engines for big engines. Now that's sometimes warranted, but sit and think for a minute, this is a major project. Most of the people who write to the JeepCreep aren't gearheads, they're just plain ol' frustrated and desperate Jeep owners. So for them to conquer an engine swap would be like being able to perform major dental surgery on themselves with neither a DDS degree, proper tools, medicines and a little help from those lovely ladies that make small talk with you when you're teeth are cleaned. In short, these Jeepers are going to be in for a lot of pain. And, unlike going to the dentist, the pain won't quit. They just have to live with the mess they've created. Two thoughts come to my mind when I think of engine swaps:
  • There is no replacement for displacement
  • You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
An engine swap is not straight forward. Rarely is it as simple as putting this year's jelly in last year's jar. With the advent of fuel injection the problems with engine swaps became much more complicated. You've got to worry about the electric's, and who the heck ( besides me... ) knows a whit about electricity. The project quickly goes down hill from there. In fact, swapping engines is responsible for many Jeep projects to be shoved to the back of the garage, the backyard and finally end up for sale. The owner just wants the pain to be over. Let me relate a little example of what happened in River Falls Wisconsin a few years ago. I was driving my poop-brown Jeep downtown one day, motoring over to Speer's Hardware on North Main Street. There, in the parking lot I spotted another poop-brown Jeep. I met the Jeep's owner and exchanged pleasantries. The owner was a high school boy ( why is is always 17 year old boys? ) and that summer he'd bought the Jeep and started to modify it. He first installed a new engine. The old reliable 258 just wasn't big enough for him. So, he installed a Chev 350 with the help of new motor mounts, exhaust, manifolds, and a transmission to engine adapter. Then he couldn't keep it cool, so he upgraded the radiator and the cooling fan. Wow, everything was running great. He had that 350 purring like an little kitten. Then he drove it trough town. Now normally in River Falls you can make it through town, north to south, in about 4 minutes if you'd made the two lights. But it took this kid about 2 hours. You see, as he came off the second light he floored the Jeep. I guess there was some girls standing by the Teen Bar ( which now is a real bar.. you see the loopies have moved on.. and are really getting looped now). After all you have to impress the loopies! Well, that 350 responded. It developed the horsepower needed to turn those 30" tires into smoke. But that didn't happen, it wasn't as nice as that.... the additional power was delivered to the U-joints. They snapped and threw his rear dirveshaft halfway across the intersection and missed a few of the loopies on the corner. That's not a good thing! So then an upgraded to the U-joints were needed. After all that was a bit embarrassing. But alas, it was not to last because as soon as the U-joints were in place the driveshaft was twisted. What's a guy gonna do? Why, you install a beefier driveshaft, of course! Now the power can get to the mighty AMC Corporate 20 rear end. The AMC 20 scattered parts higher thither and yon. So it was time to upgrade the rear axle. Of course the 17 year old boy couldn't upgrade just the rear axle, he decided to do the front as well. Dana 60's from a buddy was just the thing he needed. Those axles can handle almost anything, they're bullet proof! And they were, but we forget.. the boy's 17 years old! So once again he's at the intersection trying to impress the female gender on the sidewalk. The light turns and the engine roars and the transmission just smokes while the engine roars higher. The boy turns a little redder, gets out of the Jeep and calls for his favorite person... Jerry at Jerry's towing. The wrecker will be there soon and he can escape his embarrassments. Well, a couple of months later the transmission was swapped, along with the transmission mounts, the shifting linkage and a few more hundred dollars adapting the transmission to the transfer case. This time... he was ready. This time he would not be denied. On could just see the poop-brown Jeep at that intersection, with it's top off and the driver's neck snapping back as the mighty 350 roared to life and thrust that flying poop-brown Jeep forward. through the intersection. Oh yes, the girls would be impressed! As planned he idled up to the stop light and nodded an causal come hither look to the girls hanging out on the corner and the light changed. It was his time! It would be sweet.. The look of admiration in those girls eyes as that Jeep rocket forward. north to Hudson. Why, if they played their card correctly, they could be sitting inside that Jeep and have the wind blowing through their hair! It was a perfect plan, it was a perfect day. It would be good. The light turned and the Jeep leapt forward about 5 feet off the stop. Then it happened. The Dana 300 transfer case exploded and scattered parts far into the intersection as the poop-brown Jeep came to a stop in the intersection. Oil was cleaned up, parts collected and Jerry's Towing was called, and the Jeep was towed home. A few weeks later the boy was back at the intersection. He'd installed an newer, beefier transfer case, skid plate and 35" tires. He drove the biggest, baddest Jeep in River Falls.. And this time he'd get through that intersection an impressed those girls.... As he motored up to the stop light everything was running flawlessly. It was a fine August day, hot and humid as only Wisconsin can be in August. The top of the Jeep was off, and he looked over to the several girls standing on the corner and nodded. These girls had been well trained by this time and looked his poop-brown Jeep and pointed and laughed, throwing jeers and taunts. They were daring him to hotfoot it off the light and destroy the Jeep! This time he simply idled off the stop light and went north to Hudson. I guess he'd finally learned that the $10,000 he'd put into upgrading that poop-brown Jeep wasn't all that impressive to those girls. Perhaps if he'd just painted the Jeep and left it as it was? Sometimes life's just not fair. So, as you can see from this tale of woe, an engine swap can be very, very expansive. In my humble opinion you're often much better off repairing the original engine, and selling the vehicle. Then take the cash and by what you want. This is doubly true if you are not planning on doing your own work. Remember you pay a price for ignorance. You pay the mechanic who'll do the work that you don't know how to, or can't, or won't do. It's your money, but I caution you to remember your last toothache and quadruple the never ending pain. Just to reiterate what's been said, if you plan on an engine swap prepare to replace:
  • Engine
  • Radiator
  • Transmission
  • Axles
  • Transfer Case
  • Manifold
  • Exhaust
  • Possible lifts to clear modified parts
  • And the list can grow, and grow and grow.
In for a dime... in for a dollar. It's your choice. So now it's on to the ol' JeepCreep E-mail bag. Till next month, good Jeepin' LEVE Note: I get a whole Jeep load of SPAM and virus loaded Emails each month. So I filler all my Emails. Remember when you send in your questions DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE. If you change the message line
  • Your message will be deleted.
  • The message will never be read.
  • It will be marked as Junk-Mail.
  • Anytime in the future if you send in a question it will be trashed.
I'd sure like to avoid all that unpleasantness. If your Email makes it into the column, I won't correct your grammer or spelling... I can barely correct my own!
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Good evening from Ken & Pam in the Kootenays of British Columbia. We have a 1989 Jeep Wagoneer. I think we may have contacted you earlier this year with a crank shaft positioning sensor problem and you were right-on the money. We've experiencing problems and hope that you can help again. Lately we've noticed a couple of things that may, or may not be connected. Once in a while it over revs when it starts-up AND it's started to stall out every so often (sometimes on an incline, sometimes on the flat, sometimes when idling). We think it may have something to do with fuel injection and/or the module that regulates the fuel intake. SUGGESTIONS, please.
Hi Ken & Pam, Good to hear from yo again.Start by putting some fuel injection cleaner in the fuel tank... Then pull the throttle body off and clean it up. Pay attention to the Idle Speed Control Motor... That should take care of the idle... Let me know what happens. LEVE
Leve I tested the Throttle Position Sensor with the key on the voltage at the sensor was 0.8 volts with the throttle closed and 4.7 volts with (WOT).I also tested the idle control Valve and its by puting it in gear while watching the RPMs and the puting it back into park to see if the idle returned to the same RPMs before and it did. Could it be the Idle Relay and Solenoid, and is there away to test Idle Relay Solenoid? Kootenay Pam and Ken Hi, again Leve: Action: As suggested back in January we tried putting some fuel injection cleaner in the fuel tank. Then, just recently, we pulled the throttle body off and cleaned it up with Carburetor Cleaner, and cleaned the Idle Air Control Valve (it was really filthy). Is the Idle Speed Control Motor you mentioned below the same as the Idle Air Control Valve? Result: We're no longer stalling out now, stalling has been replaced with intermittent over idling (revs at between 1.5 - 3 on the RPMs) If vehicle shut off and turned back on within 5 minutes the idle is back down: however, if you take it out for a drive - stop and put vehicle into 'park' position it's back to over idling. Suggestions, again, please. New update.... According to the Chilton Jeep repair manual for our make and model - I've now replace what they refer to as the Idle Relay but it did nothing. This part identified as "idle relay" by Chilton is also identified by Renix as the "fan control relay" that we apparently needed to replace any way but replacing it did not fix the idle problem. As listed in my earlier message I did the following tests and am running our of options that I can test for: * Throttle Position Sensor (with the key on the voltage at the sensor was 0.8 volts with the throttle closed and 4.7 volts with [WOT]), * Idle Control Valve (by putting it in gear while watching the RPM's and then putting it back into part to see if the idle returns to the same RPM's as before and it did). I can't test the Idle Air Control Valve(Chilton's identification for this part) and/or Idle Stepper Motor [Renix's identification for the same part] because I cannot find information or instructions on how to test this part without purchasing special tools. (DB 2 tester??). Am considering purchasing the Idle Air Control Valve ($120 Canadian) but want to be fairly certain that's the problem; otherwise, I've bought a part I may not need and still have the problem I need to fix. SUGGESTIONS....
Hi Ken, You're right, it's a pain to try to exercise those parts without specialized tools... Try disconnecting the Idle Control Valve and see what happens... Also Try looking at the PVC valve...again try to close it off and see what happens.Pull and clean the EGR valve... LEVE
Leve I disconnected the idle contro[ valve and the idle went up to 3000 Rpms When I closed off the PCV Valve the idle slowed down I also pulled and cleaned the EGR valve Its idling at 1500 Rpms Ken
Hi Ken, OK, good work... I think you've proved that the idle control valve is working. The TPS still may be the culprit... I did find this recall: 1989 Jeep Wagoneer Limited NHTSA Recall ID Number: 90V177000 Recall Date: OCT 02, 1990 Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL Potential Units Affected: 165000 Summary: MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE. Consequence: HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. Notes: CHRYSLER CORPORATION The TPS seems OK, but I'm wondering if you've got any adjustment on that TPS and throttle plate.... Also, have you searched for a vacuum leak? I'd do that with some Carb Spray Cleaner. With a warmed up idling engine, just spritz it lightly around the throttle body, it's gaskets, and the intake gaskets. If there's even a minute leak, the cleaner will be sucked into the intake and change the RPM.If that happens narrow down the spritz and see if you can isolate the leak. LEVE
Hi Leve Its fixed ! I put a new gasket on the thottle body and adjusted the throttle plate. I set the TBS at .08 volts. Leve I want to thankyou for all your help and I really appreciated it. Thankyou again. Ken
LEVE Note: Here's a case where Ken was chasing his tail. He actually fixed the problem by cleaning up the throttle body. But, by doing this he induced the second problem, the vacuum leak, when it was put back on the intake. The darn thing need to be sealed or it sucks in air past the throttle plate and the fuel injection system sees it as not having enough fuel. The fuel is increased and the RPM goes thorough the roof. Dumb fuel injection system! Remember to do ONE thing at a time and prove it works or does not work. The, and only then, go on to the next step. Otherwise you'll get very lost, very quickly.
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Hi JeepCreep I'm a proud owner of a 2002 jeep tj sport 4.0L 6c...losing pride by the minute.The machine ran like clock work for each of it's 59017 Kms until it started clicking intermittently on idle at first, becoming a steady knock on number 6 at all rpm and temperature. Drove directly to dealer..scrached their heads for a while....after 4 hours called me back saying the the oil pump is suspected! Sounded more like a hydraulic lifter failing to pressurize properly because in the middle of that steady knocking a mild pressure on the gas pedal caused the noise to stop only to reappear after one minute of idling. I don't want to question my dealer's conclusion but...your insight would be helpful. The old 242 technology has been statistically reliable in the past! I'm surgical about the maintenance since I bought the machine new to keep for ever. Should I keep my faith on my TJ or get rid of it has soon as dealer is done with it! Will the longevity of the engine be compromised in anyway? I'm resolved to drive around in my wife's civic for the time that the dealer does its thing... Sorry for the approximate English of this text. I'm French speaking using the minimum English I've been provided with in high school 22 years ago! Francois, Help!
Hi François, The shop's answer seems plausible. One way to find out if the problem is in the head or the block is to remove the spark plug wire. If the problem's in the crankshaft or the rod then the noise will go away. A Rod/Crank bearing will also be a deep knock... whereas a lifter will be a more of a ticking or a clicking sound. LEVE
LEVE If oil pump is at fault is it fair to suggest that other critical parts of the engine may have suffered from oil starvation such crank shaft or worst the loss of secondary cooling and lubrication of the head? I'm trying to manage my owner guilt's....I drove the machine for 10-12 minutes to the dealer instead of turning it off and calling the towing...clicking was faint a first! In fact I'm trying with little knowledge that I have to assess the longevity of that particular engine despite that event in order to decide if I'm to keep it or not. Thank you for your time and expertise keep up the good work! François
Hi François, Let's agree that the oil pump is bad. The first place that would suffer starvation is the heads/valves/lifters. That makes sense as it's the highest place in the engine. The problem is that once a part is starved for oil it can score and the damage is done. Identification of the part that suffered starvation is a must. The valves, if starved, may not be affected too badly. These are bathed in oil.and pressure restoration should cure the problem. A careful check of the rockers and valve stems and guides would be in order. The lifters are another story. They not only must fill with oil, but rely on oil to glide over the top of the cam and the lift the push rods. If these are starved, then it's best to remove and replace all the lifters and the camshaft. It should be done as a set. Careful inspection of the push rod faces is in order to make sure once they're reinserted they don't rescore the lifters. Now back to the problem identification. Try to identify if one of all of the lifters/valves are ticking. If it's only one then it's likely not a starvation problem and the lifter may have collapsed or is suffering from blockage. If the whole valve train/lifters are noisy... then it's more likely to be a problem with oil starvation. Also, once there is oil starvation I'd expect to see the head start to heat, and the engine start to heat up. It may even overheat and the gauges should tell you of the condition. This would happen well before 15 minuets of running. But it doesn't seem that's happened. If it did, the head would warp and need repair/replacement. Prognosis for the engine, in my humble opinion, seem good. I'd be betting on a collapsed lifter from your description. Please let me know what is found. LEVE
Leve My TJ was back from the dealer's repair shop on Monday at 11:00am. First thank you for your insight and availability.The information that you provided though speculative because of the distance proved useful.Our exchange provided me with information that allowed me to ask accurate and relevant questions prompting a seemingly rehearsed public relation exercise that started by allowing me to meet with the technician who worked on my vehicle. He had to explain the reasoning behind the ''priorising'' of the oil pump over the lifters. They honestly and kindly explained that they called Chrysler Jeep Canada technical assistance hot line to find out about recently published service bulletins on the mater and what proper course of action to take. Province of Quebec consumer law also obliges the dealer to provide the client with all old parts removed from the vehicle. They politely showed me the old oil pump but asked me if they could have the unit back so they could send it for ''expertise'' since that such a failure is to them rather uncommon....hoping that the lab is not the dumpster.My inspection of the pump didn't show any gross deformity, visible breakage or metal shreds.The technician explained that the pump provided reasonable pressure but marginal flow.Explaining maybe the somewhat normal reading on the oil pressure gauge. For the moment no clicking or knocking.I can visualize a reasonable flow of oil through the oil filling hole between number 3 and 4 and I will keep any eye on it often! Again thank you Francois
LEVE Note: Did you note the in Francois Email the part about pulling the Jeep to the side of the road and having it towed? That would have been the smartest thing he could have done. However Francois isn't stupid, and he looked at his guages. By looking at the guages he noticed that the oil pressure was good and that the ticking wasn't too bad. This was his saving grace. When an oil pump bites the big one, it's often time to get a new engine. As my daughter once said (after a capliary tube broke and pumped all the engine oil onto the ground... she drove another 16 miles ): "Dad, the Bronco's making some funny noises." It was a bad day for both of us.
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I have a 91 Jeep Cherokee with a heating challenge. On the freeway it cools fine, (in the 180 to 195 degree range). When I come off the freeway to the surface streets or have to slow due to traffic it starts warming up to 220 deg.+ range. I am not pulling anything, have a new 3 core radiator, rebuilt OEM water pump and thermostat. I have found that the electric fan test out fine but does not come on unless the AC or defroster is on regardless of the engine temperature. Do I have a fan temp. sensor problem? When should the electric fan come on? Mine does not come on even when the engine is shut down and is hot. Thanks, Dave
Hi David, It does seem that your fan circuit is not working. I'd pay attention to two areas... the first, of course is the fan circuit. If you suspect it's the problem, then run a relay/switch to the fan that you can turn on inside the cabin. Then when it starts to overheat, hit the switch. The relay will trip and turn on the fan. If the engine starts to cool, you know that's the problem. A relay, the switch and some wire's a pretty cheap diagnostic tool. The second is to back flush the cooling system. Also when you by a thermostat make sure it's got a little burp hole in the thermostat rim. That lets air bleed and not cause an air block in the system. Also, don't always depend on a new thermostat to be good. I've seen three of new ones bad right out of the box. Pull the thermostat an put it in a pan of water on the stove. See if it's opening/closing reliably. May I suggest you go out and download the 1993 Factory Service Manual at:http://www.cataclysm.net/xj/ It's pretty close to your 1991, and should lead you through testing the fan circuit.LEVE
Thanks for the quick response. I have essentially completed the task you suggested, I unplugged the temp. thermal switch from the circuit, the fan turned on and cooled the engine down to 190 deg with in a couple of minutes. I have been told that this particular thermal switch will go bad after a few years (its been 15)and should be replaced. Dave
LEVE Note: Wow, David's quick. He's done a great job of diagnostics and finding the problem. However, a word of caution to any of you who do this type of diagnostic, and that is to complete the repair. It is often a great temptation to leave the switch and wire in place. After all, it's easy, and you've already effected the repair.

DON'T DO IT...
Complete the repair. There will come a time you forget to throw the switch, or you lend the Jeep to a friend and don't tell them abut the quick fix. It will be a sad day when you're Jeep's towed to a shop for an engine change because a switch wasn't flipped.
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Hi! Our 1998 Jeep Wrangler has an instrument control problem. The guages stop functioning - oil pressure, gas,etc. - then miraculously start working again. When we hit a bump? What's the log-term solution? Thanks! Mike
  Hi Mike, You've got a loose 12 volt DC feed to the instrument cluster. I'd suggest pulling the cluster and tightening the pins in the connectors. LEVE
Leve, You were right on! Thanks. Now, want to be two for two? The driver side door opens fine from the outside, but not from the inside. Seems like a small deal - something loose. How do I get inside the door panel? (Same 1998 Wrangler) Thanks! Mike
Hi Mike, I'm glad it worked for you. I'm attaching a PDF of the TJ Door assembly. This should help. I'd suspect one of the rods has come loose or a snap has broken.LEVE
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Have a 90 yj with a 4.2 and a bad engine knock. Also have a 87 cherokee with a 4.0 / auto that I bought for a donor. Was wondering if this 4.0 would be a good choice or if I should find a later 4.0 H.O. If I use a H.O. will I need a wiring harness & computer for that particular engine or could I use the wiring off of they 87 cherokee. Thanks Chad
Hi Chad, The 4.0L HO would work, however I'd be looking for a 1991 through 1995 4.0L engine as a donor. If you use the 4.0L HO, yes you'll need the computer and wiring harness as well as the emissions stuff and the exhaust. To keep it very uncomplicated you should use the donor parts specific to the engine and it's fuel/emissions management systems and install them on the YJ. LEVE LEVE Note: Remember... in for a dime - in for a dollar.
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Dear JeepCreep I have a 1995 Jeep Cherokee 6cl 4speed auto with a synchro transfer case. I pulled out into traffic and there was the sound of a boom! under the car. I was able to drive the Jeep the short distance home and noted that the engine was reving quite high to move at a modest speed with that sound of grinding coming from under the Jeep. On a hill the revs increased and the throttle needed to continualy depressed as speed was lost though a mechanical slipping feeling from the vehicle. On further testing of the car I found that the slipping on the hill occurs in both 2WD and 4WD with the speedometer not increasing as the revs do. I thought that the transmission was the problem; however on closer inspection I found that all three bolts that attach the passanger side engine mount bracket are broken (Heads snaped off of them). This is what I think may of happened: as I pulled out from the curb the engine, tran, and transfer case may have moved to the rear of the Jeep half an inch or so, the lever for the transfer case moved out of position and put the transfer case into part time 4WD under load (although no 4WD shift light was noted). What do you think the problem is? Should I look for a new transfer case? Thanks for your help! Brian
Hi Brian, It's too soon to tell what the problem may be... Have you repaired the motor mount? Have you tired out the Jeep after the fix? If so, what happened? I'm betting on the transfer case... viscous coupler going bad. LEVE LEVE Note: Just as our friend François found, if you hear a loud boom, crack, clunk, or noise... PULL OFF THE ROAD! Your Jeep is trying to tell you it's in pain. Sometimes it's not a very important noise and sometimes it is a very important noise. But one rule of thumb is that the not so important noises become very important noises after a few more miles are driven. Bad noises and miles, they seem to have an inverse relationship
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Would you please recommend a shop (preferably in Utah) to install a high quality cam kit. I understand such a kit can add about 100 hp to a 4.0. Are there any drawbacks? Do you have a search engine for your archives? Thanks
Hi, 100 HP? Wow, at what RPM, and in what range of the power band? I smell horse feathers being tossed! That cam may very well give 100 HP but not across the power band, and likely not where you need it. Do a little more research. I wouldn't throw in a modified cam in a 4.0L engine... you'll then have to start to fool with the timing, the fuel injection and wiring. That's going to get real expensive, real quick. IMHO, the stock cam is almost the perfect cam of the 4.0L engine.LEVE
Leve- Thanks for getting back to me and for the feedback. My source was one of the TV programs (OffRoadTV) I think. They show the major steps and pitfalls to avoid. Seemed too good to be true. My only significant complaint regarding my 4.0 is that it's slightly underpowered. If I could get 25% more HP across the power band I'd be delighted. Any suggestions? Sam
Hi Sam, No suggestions... most of the power boot products don't give a very good pay back ration of dollars per HP. Also, these products aren't usually tuned to a broad RPM band. What you've likely heard is something that's tuned for max at a specific RPM... that makes it legal to advertise. IMHO... most of it's bragging rights and name dropping rites for the owners of such products. PT Barnum was right. LEVE LEVE Note: Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it's not true.
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I have a 1979 cj7 with what I believe to be a 304 engine. The problem is that when I start the jeep I can go about 8-10 miles then it will stall out like there is no fuel. I try to start it but even when revving the motor it will still die out like it's starved. Eventually it will start running again and will give me no problems till I let it cool down, then it's the same dance all over again. In a fit of desparation I have replaced the coil, distributer cap (that was a story itself because it wasn't what the folks at the parts store said it was supposed to be, it was a crystolite distributer), fuel filter. what's next to try? The accelerator pump diaphragm? Please e-mail me back with your suggestions. I need this vehicle to get to work and it's currently dead till I get this figured out. If I had $600.00 I'd go to a garage but I don't. Please help me. Terrance
Hi Terrance, A 1979 Daily Driver? Wow, that's cool!If the RPM drops like a rock to zero and engine doesn't cough sputter and die... the problem's likely electrical. If the engine coughs, sputters and dies, then the problem's likely a problem with fuel delivery. So, with that in mind... which is it? If it's fuel delivery, then I'd look at the carb, and rebuild it. That's about a $30 kit. If it's electrical, then the first thing I'd do is replace the ignition module and go from there. You can always use a spare. From you description, of it cooling down... leads me to think this is the problem. But I could be leading you down the garden path. Then it could be a bit of both... so more information is better. Remember when you a looking at the problem, find out what's missing,
  • fuel,
  • air,
  • spark...
and narrow it down from there. LEVE
Dude, So far I've replaced the coil, distributer cap, ignition module, & fuel pump. It still stalls as soon as it reaches normal operating temperature. Is this a carburetor problem? I think it has a motorcraft 2100. It says motorcraft but gives no series numbers. what do you think?
Hi Terry, I'm still leaning toward a bad ignition module, but about the only thing you haven't replaced is the pickup in the distributor. When it stalls does it have spark but no fuel or fuel and no spark? If it's sputtering and choking then I'd be looking at the fuel delivery. Here's a good article on the MC2100:
HERE
LEVE LEVE Note: DUDE? Humm, according to the 1913 Webster Dictionary a dude is:
Dude (?), n. A kind of dandy; especially, one characterized by an ultrafashionable style of dress and other affectations. [Recent] The social dude who affects English dress and English drawl.
I ain't no flippin' Dude!
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Hey Jeep Creep. I have some questions about my drive train. I have a '92 YJ with the 4.0L HO 6 cylinder motor and stock gears, which I believe to be 3.73. I have a 3.5" BDS Suspension lift and 33" tires. I am considering a swap to 4.10 gears in the near future. Do you think that this would be a good decision? I do a decent amount of driving on the interstate. I have some experience with suspension work, where could I find a guide or something to help with swapping out gears? I enjoy reading your responses to letters, Thanks for your time. Brandon
Hi Brandon, It's not only a decent decision.. It's a must if you do a lot of highway driving to restore the power band and the fuel economy. DIY gear swapping isn't hard, but it is time consuming and there is a pucker factor. If you don't do it right, you murder the new gears in a matter of a few hundred miles. So, you've got one chance to do it right or little bunny foo-foo gets whomped on the head by the good gearing fairy. The problem is setting the gearing backlash/preloads and doing it right the first time. With some patience and shims, it's not a problem. Without the patience and understanding of preloads and gear mesh you'll be lost. JP Magazine had a decent write up on what you'd face, it's at:http://www.jpmagazine.com/howto/68221/ Read it over and let me know what you think about completing this project.LEVE
Thanks for the response about the rebuild. I'm sure that I would save a good but of money by doing this myself. One thing is getting the tools needed. Through friends and Autozone (they loan tools out) I should be able to get them. But, just a good set of instructions is what I will need most. Would the install kit come with good instructions? I was going to buy the Superior Gear Overhaul kit for both my front Dana 30 and rear Dana 35. Thanks for your help, I just need to make sure I have good step by step instructions to help me in my up in coming project. I'll be in contact if I need further assistance. Thanks again. -Brandon
Hi Brandon, The tools aren't all that expensive, the Dial gauge and stand are about $19 ( on sale now... ) at Harbor Freight, and then there's the torque wrenches. Torque wrenches are not expensive. I bought clicky style several years ago ( 1/2" $19, 3/8" $19, 1/4" $25) and they've worked well for several years. A pipe to slide over the handles really helps.. But that was free. I picked it up on the side of the road one day laying in ditch.Randy's Ring and Pinion ( http://www.ring-pinion.com/ ) has good gearing, and step by step instructions, as well as some of the best after-service you can ever get. They'd be my vendor of choice. Whoever you buy from should have instructions included with the parts... that's a must. These are specific to the parts, and each vendor will be a little different. Let me know how it goes... LEVE LEVE Note: I rarely answer questions on lifts... as I HATE lifts. But this question was on R&P changes... so I let it slide by.
Ask the Jeep Creep
Dear Jeep Creep, First a little back ground, I have a 2000 WJ with the 4.7L and Select-Trac with 75k miles. It is on it's second transmission and acting up again. Dealership says they can't find a problem. Shifting is getting to be getting sloppy and it seems to "fall out" of overdrive on the highway, usually around 55-65mph. Not really a slip but more of a partial shift, the rpms jump 300-600 revs and it lurches back into OD. Happens whether I am driving or cruise control is handling the throttle. Problem is the computer is not throwing any codes and I can't make it happen on demand to show the dealer. It is noticeable enough that friends in the Jeep have pointed it out and asked if the tranny was going to last long enough to get us home from the bar. Could this be a throttle position sensor or torque converter going bad? Would that not throw a code? Thanks Chris
Hi Chris, I'd be looking at input/output speed sensors. These sensors tell the computer what the speed of the clutches are at, and send orders to the transmission to up/down shift. It may be a case of garbage in... garbage out.. hence no code.LEVE
Thank you for the quick reply! Is this something I can test on my own or is it cheap enough to just replace and see if that helps? Again, thank you very much! Chris
Hi Chris, I'd pull them and clean them off... and then replace 'em... LEVE LEVE Note: Remember the KISS principle, about keeping things simple!
Ask the Jeep Creep
Hello Jeep Creep, I am the proud (new) owner of a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4WD/4.0L. Do you know of a place that I can go to find out how my rig came out of the factory. In simple terms, Is there a website I can go to find out the stock gear ratio, if the diff. has the "no spin" option or is the standard diff; what type of tranny, etc. know I have an 8.25 Chrysler rear-end. I plan on putting a 3" susp. lift with 31X10.5's. I just got back from Iraq and want to put some TLC into her. Also what do you think of the K&N intake with an Air aid throttle body spacer? Is this worth all the hype? and finally Quadratec's slotted rotors or not?? Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jason in Camp Lejeune NC
Hey Jason, Congratulations on being a Jeep owner!More congratulations on being a Marine! Thanks for your service to the ol' USA! Go to any dealer with your VIN number and you should be able to get a build list of what came from the factory. As for the K&N and Spacer.. yes they do help... but the operative word here is help. They ain't going to give you neck-snappin', feel it the seat of your parts power. The HP to dollar ratio is pretty high on these types of mods. Just remember, that there is no cheap lift! To do it right it's going to cost lots of money.... a sad fact for larger tires. LEVE
Hello Leve, This is Jason from Camp Lejeune NC I have developed a problem with my 92 Cherokee Laredo, I6, 4WD. I installed a new water pump, and a harmonic balancer (which gave me trouble). The actual problem is my auxiliary fan turns on as soon as I start the vehicle, I know it's not at the proper temperature. When I start the vehicle a few seconds later I hear an audible click from the engine compartment and then the fan turns on. The fan runs for appx 5-10 seconds later and then shuts off. Appx. a minute later it does the same thing. This repeats the entire time the engine is running. I have tried to research the problem but I am unable to pinpoint the problem. If you have any insight please let me know. Thanks again Some relevant specs: It seems that my rig has been modified. It has an actual radiator with a fill port, just like the V-6 and 4cyl models. There is no longer the traditional overflow bottle in the upper left hand corner of the engine compartment. (I hope this is helpful). Prior to changing the water pump the problem did not exist. Jason
Hi Jason, I'm guessing here that you've disconnected/dislodged a wire that goes to the thermostats while your were working on the pump. May I suggest you go here:http://www.cataclysm.net/xj/ Download the Factory service manual for the 1993. It's 15 megs. It will be close to your 1992 XJ. Then pay attention to Section G and Section L that will guide you through the tests of the Cooling fan. LEVE LEVE Note: A Factory Service Manual ( or a close one to your Jeep ) is a MUST if you do your own work. Just a hint... look on EBAY. Often you can pick them up on the cheap on CD's. That's my refrence of choice.
Comments and questions from our Readers
 Posted Dec 11 2007 06:09PM
Hello Jeep Creep, I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 4x4 with a 4.7 H.O. engine and wanted to know if the front skid plate has to be removed to gain easier access to the oil filter to cut down on the mess or is there an easier way. I have taken the jeep to the dealership for regular oil changes but would like to start doing it myself. Best regards, Rudy
 Posted Jun 24 2008 10:37AM
Hi. I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee Sport with the 6 cylinder engine. My manual temperature control only lets a/c or heat out of the defrost vent. Both the heat and a/c work fine however even when switching the manual control, there is no air coming out of the regular vents besides the defrost. Your advice is highly appreciated. ~Rene
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