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!
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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 CORPORATIONThe 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.
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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.
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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.
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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.LEVELEVENote: Remember... in for a
dime - in for a dollar.
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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.LEVELEVE
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
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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.LEVELEVE Note:
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it's not
true.
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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:
LEVELEVE 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!
Ask the
Jeep Creep
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...LEVELEVE 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...LEVELEVE 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.LEVELEVE
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.
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
Rene / Champaign, IL, UNITED STATES
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
Lisa / Harpers Ferry, WV, UNITED STATES
Posted May 10 2009 06:01PM
Nice to talk to you! I have a 1990 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.2. I have performed the nutter bypass and I still have no power. Could it be the carb itself or the ignition module? This loss of power was pretty sudden not gradual at all. The vehicle runs fine at 1000 rpms but over that it's crappy and misses. Thanks for the help.
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