lawsoncl

Sounds like time to buy or borrow a pressure gauge. I think Autozone loans them out? I assume you have the plug wires in the correct place, and didn't use the diagram from the Haynes? Cruiser tips #13 has the right diagram

babywag

I replaced the fuel pump. I was able to start it although it died after a few seconds. i wasn't too worried because I figured it needed to purge the system. The second time it started and ran rough for a few more seconds and died again. Since then, it is back to a cranking but not starting. I even let it sit for a couple of hours and then tried in vain again several times. Not sure where to go from here but it may be time to walk away for good. Kind of a bummer because the body on this thing is perfect with 0 rust and the interior is in good shape but it would probably be better to part it out than try to sell it non running.

Red1992XJ

Don't part it out just yet. Diagnosing and repairing is a marathon, not a sprint.

It sounds like you have spark, so I think you are on the right track as far as fuel being an issue. Lawson is right, look into the fuel presser tester that can be rented at some auto parts stores. It always pays to check it to make sure.

I just did a quick read through, did you happen to replace the fuel filter?

babywag

Replaced the fuel filter about a year and a half ago. I did pull it back off yesterday and spray some carb cleaner through it to make sure it wasn't plugged. I can't even get it to start by spraying the carb cleaner into the throttlebody . It did spray a quick burst of fuel from the valve on the fuel rail when I checked . I don't know how or if I can check the fuel pressure without it running. I may have it towed to a nearby shop , but they really didn't seem to want to help much and basically said they would be throwing parts at it (the same thing I've been doing). I have to go to frigid Wisconsin for a few days to see a friend who is terminal. Stepping away from it will be the best thing while I decide it's fate. This is our fourth XJ (5 if you count my sons '01) going back 30 years, so it will be tough if I have to give up.

evil_goat

If you ruled out all the other issues, maybe something is wrong with the timing.