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1984 Jeep Cherokee will not start.

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Old 09-03-2016, 05:48 PM
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Default 1984 Jeep Cherokee will not start.

Just bought this a few months back and the vehicle drove great engine running wise. My master clutch cylinder was leaking so I replaced it. While replacing that I decided to replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor. We tried starting the vehicle and now it will only turn over but will not start. It is getting fuel, spark, and air. After checking, we noticed that the timing had jump, so now it has been set back to the correct spot. Jeep will still not start. What could I be missing?
Old 09-04-2016, 05:35 AM
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So it ran before you tuned it up, and then it wouldn't run afterwards? You should probably double check your work.
Old 09-04-2016, 06:19 AM
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I would first suspect incorrect plug wire firing order.
Old 09-04-2016, 06:45 AM
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Size of engine would help.......Timing does not jump. Put it back way it was. Firing order off most likely . Note dist cap screw location. Assuming its 4.0
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Last edited by freegdr; 09-04-2016 at 07:04 AM.
Old 09-04-2016, 06:52 AM
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dist indexing ..http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/dist_index.html
Old 09-04-2016, 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by freegdr
Size of engine would help.......Timing does not jump. Put it back way it was. Firing order off most likely . Note dist cap screw location. Assuming its 4.0
A 4.0 in 1984?
Old 09-05-2016, 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Vance Bud Ruloph Jr.
Just bought this a few months back and the vehicle drove great engine running wise. My master clutch cylinder was leaking so I replaced it. While replacing that I decided to replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor. We tried starting the vehicle and now it will only turn over but will not start. It is getting fuel, spark, and air. After checking, we noticed that the timing had jump, so now it has been set back to the correct spot. Jeep will still not start. What could I be missing?
Do you know anything about the drum brakes on them I need help
Old 09-05-2016, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Vance Bud Ruloph Jr.
Just bought this a few months back and the vehicle drove great engine running wise. My master clutch cylinder was leaking
A clutch master on an 84 will leak right into the fuse box. Not sure what your problem is, but you might want to check that.

If an engine has fuel, spark and compression and still doesn't fire, it might be flooded.

Last edited by DFlintstone; 09-05-2016 at 08:53 PM.
Old 09-06-2016, 07:33 AM
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The '84 came with the 2.5 or the Buick 2.8, both were carbureted with standard coil ignition.

Timing does not jump during a tune-up.

A simple test lead to the coil will get it started.

Master leaking is not the culprit.


Alright..........looks like the V6 did have some sort of electronic ignition, check the connections, the coil and the module.

Last edited by Jeep Driver; 09-06-2016 at 07:39 AM.
Old 09-06-2016, 08:52 AM
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There's an ignition module in the distributor of the 2.8 v6 that are prone to failure. But I don't think that's the problem with this one.
Old 09-06-2016, 12:17 PM
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I apologize for the delay in response. It is a 2.8 V6. I was able to get it started once the air filter and hoses to the air cleaner was put back on the carburetor. Never had that type of issue before on other vehicles that I have owned.
Old 09-06-2016, 12:19 PM
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Thank you everyone for the great advice with the little info that I put out there.
Old 09-06-2016, 03:03 PM
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carbs can be very picky especially trying to start cold with no air cleaner. It might not have been choking properly. I usually will put my hand over the carb while someone cranks to see if there's an increase in life which indicates not enough choke.
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