I recently bought an '88 Cherokee 4x4. It was running as recently as last week with timing problems. We figured it was the distributor timing so we removed it and are trying to put it back in. We wrenched the crankshaft to TDC, and are now trying to find the right position of the rotor and cap. If I understand it correctly looking at other posts in this forum, the #1 plug on the cap has to align with the rotor when at TDC? and then we can time it properly after that with a timing light?

If this is not working, by which I mean it won't start... Are there any other causes, that have to do directly with the distributor assembly as that's all that was touched since it ran well a few months ago. Re-gapping plugs, burned out cap, etc.

any ideas?
thanks

 

If you have it on TDC, line the rotor slightly to the left of the number one plug. The oil pump will need to be at 11 O'clock. Should slide right in. Make sure you actually have it at TDC, remember the timing mark will hit 0 at 180 out as well.

 

When you say to the left of the number one plug. Do you mean on the cap? Or should the rotor be pointing toward the plug on the engine block? Second question, oil pump at 11 o'clock, does that mean when I'm facing the jeep from the front, or when looking across passenger side to driver's side?

Sorry about the annoying questions, I've just looked at 30 different ways to do this and they're all so conflicting. We were frustratingly close to getting it to start today, but it just wouldn't catch - I'm guessing the plugs are wet by now.

 

Number one plug on the distributor and 11 O'clock standing beside the motor on the passenger side. I would pull the plugs and turn it over a few times to get the excess fuel out of the cylinders and to check the plugs.

 

Perfect, thanks for the info, I will report back tomorrow.

 

Yea, I replaced my distributor in my '89, had the same problem. Having a hard time remembering exactly where, either just b4 #1 plug or just after, if one doens't work just try the other, hope you get it workin right! Good Luck.

 

tdc on compression stroke tip of roto point at about 9 oclock when standing in front

 

Still no start. Maybe someone can help me diagnose why it started last week, and won't start now.

As of last Monday, jeep starts, doesn't run very well, but starts and stays started. We were able to drive it up and down the driveway and change transmission from 4x4 to 2DW with no problems. Later that night we removed the muffler and exhaust pipe. next day those were replaced. Jeep wouldn't start. We then removed the distributor again as we assumed that was the problem, and have been screwing with it since then trying to time it properly.

The only other things that were done was that we checked the air filter - which was found to be pretty much new - and replaced the spark plugs today, a few of which were somewhat badly worn, but all still had a gap and were relatively clean.

Other than those changes, all I've been doing is body work. which is mostly repairing random holes in the floor.

Suggestions?