Hello everyone, Just traded a 88 Cherokee 4x4 for my 97 Breeze as an addition to our family. Always wanted one but could not find one that wasn't in running condition. Not sure if I bit off more than I can chew..lol. Here goes.

Has 238kms on the drive train, starts and runs seems very smooth during my road test. Engine bay is covered in oil, haven't done a compression test as of yet...bit of blow by evident from oil filler cap opening. Engine oil is black as molassis, transmission fluid is slightly discolored, no dirty clutch smell. Driver's seat is bent back, rocker panels rusted through.

Previous owner has replaced brakes and exaust. Here is the questions:

How do you tell if the engine is ok without a compression test?

I have a set of electric seats from a 96 Ford Explorer...is there a way to make them fit in the Cherokee?

Anything you would recommend I replace before putting it on the road would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

You said that it runs smooth and that's a plus! You should pull the spark plugs and see what condition they are in which is helpful, however I really think that while the plugs are out you need to do a compression test to get the big picture. A compression tester is not very expensive to buy or rent from places like Auto zone, etc. Good Luck and I hope that it works out!

 

A compression test is really the only way to see how good the motor is, with out having other expensive tools. Like 4Jeepers said compression testers are cheap and you can even rent them.

 

i would give it a full tune up plugs, wires, cap& rotor,oil&filter, and gear oil, with it being a 88 the u junts would be another thing to replace as well. then just gress all every thing.

i would get im att to the rust as well. let that go to long and there can be the killer.

 

Will do a compression test as soon as I can...been very cold up here. The Cherokee had a safety check a little over a year ago. Is there some potential or will this be a money pit that will suck me dry?

 

OH yea!!! Its a JEEP! lol