Recently, my 1985 XJ 2.5L quit idling or starting. It has 124k on it.

It will start if I hold the throttle open 1/2-3/4 of the way. If I do get is started, it won't run under 2500 RPMs.

I just did a compression check and it has 115 PSI on all four cylinders. I also replaced the plugs and all four were extremely fouled with dry black soot. It blows a medium amount of blue smoke and leaves black soot on the ground below the tailpipe. I know this is indicative of valve seals, but it has been sitting for two months. Still, I'm going to check those tomorrow. Would the oil rings go bad and it still hold compression?

The plug wires, rotor, and dist. cap are all new in the last year.

I scrapped the catalytic converter system along time ago. It has run fine without all that for 2 years. Recently I took out all of the other unecessary b/s they came with out of Cali.

It has the one-barrel Carter YFA on it and, because some genius hung A/C on a 2.5L, it has one of those b/s combo vaccuum / electric "SoleVac" idle control units on it. That quit 2 years ago too, along with the A/C. I've pulled the condenser and all of the A/C parts. I then pulled the SoleVac and all of the connected vacuum lines are removed and their sources are capped. I have searched for, capped, and/or repaired all other vaccuum leaks.

I bought a rebuilt YFA from: I-5 Automotive ( http://www.i-5automotive.com/page10....FchW2godiHtpLg ) and have performed the adjustments listed in the Walker manual on the Carter YFA.

I have also tried 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 turns out on the curb idle screw and that seems to have no effect.

I am short on ideas now. Anyone else have any?

Also, I am told the 2.5L engine b is shorter t te 4.0L bay. Other the moving the radiator forward in the frame, is there any truth to this? I scrapped the belt driven fan for an electric last summer so the radiator can go forward.

The body and interior is 90%, believe it or not. I'd hate to scrap the whole truck for the bad engine. I'd like to swap in a 4.0L EFI and AW4 automatic combo from a newer wrecked truck, anyone have thoughts/advice on that idea?

Thanks to all, inadvance.

 

The only thing I haven't checked is the fuel pressure. Will do that tomorrow too...

 

I'm now having the same problem with my 1985 2.5L rebuild. Did you find the problem?

 

Check the elect. choke.