WannaBeCherokee

I just bought a 97 Cherokee a few weeks ago. I fixed a few little issues so far. One of the sway bar arms/bushings being broken off at the top was the biggest fix so far, which wasn't much. When I bought it, the oil looked thin, but at that point I figured it was just the oil the previous auto dealers/owners put in it. The more I check it however, the more it smells like gas. I changed the oil a week ago, and now it's clean but is a bit thinner than usual, and smells like gas...pretty strong. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

s346k

there are a few ways gasoline could be getting in the oil. leaking injector and running very rich are a couple of them. research this issue, there is plenty of info. checking the spark plugs is a good start.

'90Cherokee

Leaking injector or fuel pressure regulator would be the first things to consider. The FPR is easy to check, with the engine on pull the vacuum line off, if there's any gas you've found the problem. This will usually give hard starting as well, but worth checking anyway.

Bustedback

No fuel pressure regulator on a 97 fuel rail. My money is on a leaky injector.

WannaBeCherokee

Awesome advice, thanks! So far it sounds like the injectors are the main culprit. After reading this, and talking to my mechanic buddies, I looked under the hood, and around one of the injectors is much dirtier and more gunky than the others. The next question is...which injectors should I get? I'm going to replace the lot of them, so I need to keep finances in the equation, but I don't want garbage parts. Any suggestions for quality injectors at a good price?

bryanintowson

Motorman sells reconditioned oem injectors. http://www.injectors4u.com/

The forum has tons of write ups on injector upgrades so you'll know which ones to get for your application.

97grand4.0

I could be wrong, but the leak is probably one of the O rings, they sell those, just r&r. Leak on top, top O ring, leak in cylinder, bottom O ring.

SatiricalHen

not in this case. One of the injectors is sticking open letting gas continue to pour into the cylinder after it is supposed to be closed.

97grand4.0

Of course the way to prove that is pull the injector(s) out and turn it over a few times, with the coil disconnected, and watch them. He says he sees wet spot on top also. First would be good idea to just watch the gauge and see if pressure drops right to nothing and see if barking up the right tree.

jpmarine6786

Gas is a really good solvent. Correct me if I'm wrong, but If the injector is leaking it should be CLEANER than the rest. If you want new injectors I would buy a whole set of 4 holes ones of someone here or off eBay. Totally worth it.

97grand4.0

bump

SatiricalHen

could be a piece of crud holding the injector open. I know with carbs you can get junk stuck on top of the needle flooding the carb.