I had the same problem did a lot of the same things you have done.
try checking the lead to the coil its a pin connection wiggle it while you have someone try to start it,
Hope this helps

 

Check all fuses yet ?

 

Yes, I checked all the fuses under the hood and they are complete and functional. Thanks though!

 

po320 is a 50/50 chance.....crank or cam sensor..

 

OBD II Fault Code

OBD II P0320
What does this mean?
The Distributor/Crankshaft Position Sensor measures the exact rotational speed and position of the crankshaft. This provides a critical data signal used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control Ignition Spark Timing and Fuel Delivery.

Code P0320 is triggered when the Distributor/Crankshaft Position Sensor signal is interrupted, unreliable or irrational.


Symptoms

Check Engine Light will illuminate
In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Hard starting/cranking without starting
Engine hesitation or stalling
Engine dies and will not re-start
Common Problems That Trigger the P0320 Code

Defective Crankshaft Position Sensor
Faulty or corroded Crankshaft Position Sensor wiring or connections
Defective Camshaft Position Sensor
Rough running/misfiring Engine
Common Misdiagnoses

Crankshaft Position Sensor is replaced when the cause is a defective Camshaft Position Sensor
Crankshaft Position Sensor is replaced when the cause is a poor connection or chafed wiring

 

I put a new cam sensor in it last night - still a no go.

I then set it on TDC, took the distributor out, set it to TDC again and re-installed the distributor - this, essentially, fliped it 180* in case I had set it at TDC of the exhaust stroke. Still a no go.

ARGH!

 

Have you checked to see if the plugs are wet? Have you found top dead center of the compression stroke of cylinder #1 then checking where the rotor is and seeing if the distributor terminal/plug wire goes to cylinder #1? Have you put a timing light to it while cranking and checked for consistant timing on the timing tab?

 

Just had a similar thing happen 2 days ago. I replaced the Crankshaft Positioning Sensor, the ignition coil, the whole distributor and cap(which included the Camshaft Positioning Sensor).

For me it was the Camshaft Positioning Sensor.

Id say make sure the rotor is on the right side, as in the distributor was put in right, your ignition coil is actually giving spark, I wasnt getting spark in the ignition coil and it was because of the Camshaft Positioning Sensor.

 

Thanks for all the help guys - I finally got the Cherokee running after just constantly trying to start it, but not that well. The amount of smoke it put out was incredible! The ignition, distributor, etc was all just fine. There is a serious lack of compression which I am attributing to failed piston rings - 40lbs worth.

Looks like a replacement engine is in my future!

 

Just wanted to say I had a 1996 country and loved it. Yours looks amazingly clean. Nice find. At least if you really wanted to you can plate the engine bay when you swap the motor to add some strength to the unit body. Just food for thought.

 

Wow, 40 lbs. is really low! Did you check one cylinder or more?

 

Crank position sensor, fuel pump, module. Those cause crank and no start. Check those first.

 

The least an engine can have and still run good is 120psi. Put some oil inside the piston. If compression goes up the rings are bad. If it stays the same then the valves or the springs is bad.