88 XJ Renix Idles Fine Bogs down when throttle applied
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
New here although I have been looking at others posts to try to fix my issue. Sorry for the long post in advanced, but I figure being detailed is better.
I have a 1988 Cherokee Chief 4x4 Auto 4.0 inline six.
I bought this Chief in the Caribbean (it had sat for 3+ years) with the intention to fix it up and have a 4x4 down there. Plans changed and I moved back to the US and shipped the Chief back.
Once it arrived, I took it to the mechanics and had the following done:
New wires, cap and rotor.
New plugs
New injectors
New fuel filter
New fuel pump
When I got it back, I drove for about 3 days and the radiator crapped out, overheating the engine.
I bought a Reman 4.0 (ATK) 909MX12 and swapped out the engine.
Installed new with reman engine:
Harmonic Balancer
Radiator
Distributor
Fuel filter
Coolant Temp Sensor
TPS (adjusted)
O2 Sensor
CPS
Ignition Coil
Ignition Module
EGR Valve (although I wonder if I need this?)
Air Filter
Oil Filter
Oil Pressure Sensor (?)
All vacuum lines installed correctly, no vacuum leaks.
When all was ready, started the engine. After 3-4 cranks, she purred!!!!
Idled great!
But as soon as I added throttle, she bogged down, popping thru the intake and an occasional backfire.
Cruiser54's pink link tips done:
1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,18,27
Still having the same issue. Any ideas or direction will be greatly appreciated.
I have a 1988 Cherokee Chief 4x4 Auto 4.0 inline six.
I bought this Chief in the Caribbean (it had sat for 3+ years) with the intention to fix it up and have a 4x4 down there. Plans changed and I moved back to the US and shipped the Chief back.
Once it arrived, I took it to the mechanics and had the following done:
New wires, cap and rotor.
New plugs
New injectors
New fuel filter
New fuel pump
When I got it back, I drove for about 3 days and the radiator crapped out, overheating the engine.
I bought a Reman 4.0 (ATK) 909MX12 and swapped out the engine.
Installed new with reman engine:
Harmonic Balancer
Radiator
Distributor
Fuel filter
Coolant Temp Sensor
TPS (adjusted)
O2 Sensor
CPS
Ignition Coil
Ignition Module
EGR Valve (although I wonder if I need this?)
Air Filter
Oil Filter
Oil Pressure Sensor (?)
All vacuum lines installed correctly, no vacuum leaks.
When all was ready, started the engine. After 3-4 cranks, she purred!!!!
Idled great!
But as soon as I added throttle, she bogged down, popping thru the intake and an occasional backfire.
Cruiser54's pink link tips done:
1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,18,27
Still having the same issue. Any ideas or direction will be greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just checked the fuel pressure. 31psi at idle - 39 psi with the vacuum to FPR removed - applying throttle raises the psi from 31 up back down to 31 when released. Still bogs down.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Year: 1998 , 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Both 4.0 IL6
You may want to read thru my thread here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hes...3/#post3002995
I had a very similar issue. Replaced nearly everything involved with ignition, then finally the dealer caught the fuel pump cutting out intermittently during a distributor test. I know you just put in a new fuel pump, but it is not un-common for them to be defective straight out of the box. Dealer also said the XJ's are very sensitive to sensor components. Some of the aftermarket sensors don't work very well. Hope this helps.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hes...3/#post3002995
I had a very similar issue. Replaced nearly everything involved with ignition, then finally the dealer caught the fuel pump cutting out intermittently during a distributor test. I know you just put in a new fuel pump, but it is not un-common for them to be defective straight out of the box. Dealer also said the XJ's are very sensitive to sensor components. Some of the aftermarket sensors don't work very well. Hope this helps.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Helena, Montana
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I had a similar issue a few years back. Turned out that the rubber fuel hoses coming from the tank were dry rotted allowing pressure to bleed off under load, which was causing my engine to hesitate and even backfire in the intake. I replaced both rubber fuel lines coming out of the tank and it resolved my issue. Ethanol gas wreaks havoc on these lines. It would be worth your time to inspect all of your fuel lines to see what they look like.
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 5
From: Fort Erie, CANADA
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What brand of fuel pump did you put in? I had a similar issue with a bad pump. Put in a Carter. Lasted a few months and same problem. Put in a Bosch and no problems since. Mine would bog down and if you floored it you would hear the backfire in the intake.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Happy New Year to all.
I will check the fuel lines. Thanks MontanaXJer
I bought an Airtex Fuel Pump about 2 years ago. I replaced it with a Precision Fuel Pump. This one registers the correct psi when idling and applying throttle, which leads me to believe its good.
I will check the fuel lines. Thanks MontanaXJer
I bought an Airtex Fuel Pump about 2 years ago. I replaced it with a Precision Fuel Pump. This one registers the correct psi when idling and applying throttle, which leads me to believe its good.


