96 xj, running rough while in gear, but fine at idle
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Seasoned Member


Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hi, just looking for some advice. My 96 xj 5 speed seems like its not getting fuel sporadically. Sometimes at start up, but mostly after being driven for about 20-30 minutes. Has never stalled of shut off completely, just have to slip the clutch and over rev the **** out of it to get moving. No check engine light, the cat is removed, but still has both o2 sensors. Not sure if its a fuel supply issue, or something else. It will idle and rev in neutral or with the clutch in, but once i get it in gear it feels like its not getting fuel. Any help is appreciated. Im about to throw a few sensors at it, mainly crank, and cam. might replace the fuel pump as well. jeep is a project and is made from running jeeps that had sat for some time. thanks for reading.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member


Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
i think that might be my problem too. First im gonna put a cat on it to see if that makes a difference. i have a 97 wrangler that acted the same way when it an o2 sensor was bad. engine light stayed off the first few times it happened, but came on eventually. the cherokee has both new sensors and my obd2 says theyre working, but it wont finish the catalyst ready monitor.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Don't just throw parts at it. This forum does not support that mode of repair.
Sounds like a fuel problem, so the thing to do is a fuel pressure test with a tester. Then a leakdown test. What you describe is more like a plugged fuel filter, which, there are 2 on the fuel pump, but also could be just low pressure. Either way, test it. If it takes a long time to start that would be the regulator, also on the pump... Also can be tested with pressure tester leak down test.
Sounds like a fuel problem, so the thing to do is a fuel pressure test with a tester. Then a leakdown test. What you describe is more like a plugged fuel filter, which, there are 2 on the fuel pump, but also could be just low pressure. Either way, test it. If it takes a long time to start that would be the regulator, also on the pump... Also can be tested with pressure tester leak down test.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Don't just throw parts at it. This forum does not support that mode of repair.
Sounds like a fuel problem, so the thing to do is a fuel pressure test with a tester. Then a leakdown test. What you describe is more like a plugged fuel filter, which, there are 2 on the fuel pump, but also could be just low pressure. Either way, test it. If it takes a long time to start that would be the regulator, also on the pump... Also can be tested with pressure tester leak down test.
Sounds like a fuel problem, so the thing to do is a fuel pressure test with a tester. Then a leakdown test. What you describe is more like a plugged fuel filter, which, there are 2 on the fuel pump, but also could be just low pressure. Either way, test it. If it takes a long time to start that would be the regulator, also on the pump... Also can be tested with pressure tester leak down test.
I love THAT part: This forum does not support that mode of repair.
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Heh! Just checking your alertness! I may have outdid myself with that one
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
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From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The chances of a cat fixing your problem are slim to none. Do the pressure test.
Don't fire the parts cannon.
Don't fire the parts cannon.
CF Veteran




Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 964
From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member


Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
i reload all my own parts cannon rounds, i have about 5 cherokees worth of parts sitting around. it would cost more to get a pressure tester than for me to just swap in another sending unit with a new pump and filter. sorry to trigger all you parts cannon control nuts.
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
i reload all my own parts cannon rounds, i have about 5 cherokees worth of parts sitting around. it would cost more to get a pressure tester than for me to just swap in another sending unit with a new pump and filter. sorry to trigger all you parts cannon control nuts.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member


Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Id be a little more discerning if it were my daily driver, but it can sit in the garage till its good n ready to hit the streets. thanks for all your input,
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
[QUOTE=Wrongholefool;3555606] once i get it in gear it feels like its not getting fuel.
Probably isn't. That's a symptom of plugged filter or bad pump. I think the big box stores will lend you a tester.
Probably isn't. That's a symptom of plugged filter or bad pump. I think the big box stores will lend you a tester.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member


Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Fuel pump, pulled it out and the screen looked like it was collapsing. Put a new one in and it runs great. Took about 30 minutes start to finish. Thanks again for the advice.
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