xx88cherokeexx

I have an 88 cherokee that wont start. I have checked the crankshaft position sensor, and got a new battery, had to do a distributor swap. I know the 90 and 91 engines are different but did they run different distributors before the 91? Everyone I have asked has told me that it is the CPS and once i change it should start right up but my luck has not been so nice, any help or guidance would be appreciated...

Radi

Did it start before you swapped the distributor? Has it ever started after? Did you change anything else right before the no-start stuff began?
How did you check the CPS?

Any spark at the plugs?

cruiser54

Which flexplate did you use? If you used one from the 91 it won't start for sure.

xx88cherokeexx

It ran before we did the swap but had a blown head gasket. The cps I didn't check, just got a new one since all the mechanics I talked to were positive it was that. I checked spark going from the coil and there was none.
As for the flex plate I'm not 100% sure, I'll have to double check on that when I get hkme

cruiser54

Early has a bunch of holes around the perimeter and HO only has a few sets of them.

xx88cherokeexx

The thing that's perplexing thing is i bought it from a guy and I got the whole deal trans, t case and engine. And threw it all in at once, and it's cranking but won't start. The coil isn't getting any spark at all.

cruiser54

Well then, the way I understand it you've got the wrong flexplate.

ckysodkorn_xj

or you just have a bad coil.

cruiser54

The Renix system will not run with an HO flexplate.

BigzXJ

X2...When I dropped a H.O. in my 90, there was a big difference in the flexplate.

cruiser54

If the OP had to do a distributor swap, he's obviously got an HO motor with HO flexplate. A 1990 would not have needed the distributor swap.

xx88cherokeexx

So if i change my flex plate, Will I still be able to run the renix coil and everything else as is?

cruiser54

The flexplate has to be for a Renix. I suspect you have an HO flexplate on there. Was it necessary for you to swap distributors because the one on the donor wouldn't plug into your Jeep's harness?

xx88cherokeexx

Exactly, The harness was different, Im going to check the casting number on the block and see what engine I have exactly. Thigs are a little slow cuz its dumping rain everyday and Im working on getting my daily driver driving again, I managed to drag my rear diff on my toyota and suck up a bunch of water into the axle. So this jeep is going to be taking the place of the toyota for wheeling