Burning oil
Thread Starter
Junior Member



Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 22
From: North Carolina
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l inline 6
I have a 4.0 '92 Cherokee and it is currently burning oil. I only notice it when I'm idling and my brother can't see it when he drives behind me. I did a compression test and cylinder 5 was right at 120, while the other cylinders were all around 135-140. Also compression didn't change between a wet and dry test. I assume that the piston rings on 5 are bad. Do y'all have any thoughts?
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 971
Likes: 473
From: North East USA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
If the compression test pressures didn't change between the dry and wet tests then it's probably NOT the rings as that's the point of the wet test.
You didn't say how much oil you are losing. Any leaks?
Also. If you are only seeing it at idle and your follower doesn't see it are you sure it's oil smoke you are seeing rather than coolant ?
You didn't say how much oil you are losing. Any leaks?
Also. If you are only seeing it at idle and your follower doesn't see it are you sure it's oil smoke you are seeing rather than coolant ?
Last edited by exasemech; Jul 30, 2022 at 11:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member



Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 22
From: North Carolina
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l inline 6
If the compression test pressures didn't change between the dry and wet tests then it's probably NOT the rings as that's the point of the wet test.
You didn't say how much oil you are losing. Any leaks?
Also. If you are only seeing it at idle and your follower doesn't see it are you sure it's oil smoke you are seeing rather than coolant ?
You didn't say how much oil you are losing. Any leaks?
Also. If you are only seeing it at idle and your follower doesn't see it are you sure it's oil smoke you are seeing rather than coolant ?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 934
Likes: 282
From: PA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
A seasoned mechanic should be able to replace them in a couple hours without removing the head.
For roughly the same amount of money, it's not much to remove the head yourself, other than being long and heavy, and have a shop rebuild the head. Cut and lap the valve seat, check and replace the valve guides as needed, replace the seals, check and cut the deck mating surface as needed.
With a couple tools, you can compress the valve springs yourself, remove the keepers and then the seals. Another tool and some compound and you can lap the valves yourself, assuming there's no issues that warrant cutting a new seat.
For roughly the same amount of money, it's not much to remove the head yourself, other than being long and heavy, and have a shop rebuild the head. Cut and lap the valve seat, check and replace the valve guides as needed, replace the seals, check and cut the deck mating surface as needed.
With a couple tools, you can compress the valve springs yourself, remove the keepers and then the seals. Another tool and some compound and you can lap the valves yourself, assuming there's no issues that warrant cutting a new seat.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member



Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 22
From: North Carolina
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l inline 6
Air filter is fine, vacuum lines don't look too bad. Why do you think that would be part of my problem? It would be awesome if I only need to change a vacuum line lol
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
If the lines are there, and not modified, and your air filter isn't covered in oil, it's not likely the cause is vacuum lines.
A leakdown test can be performed to determine if the rings are the issue.
A leakdown test can be performed to determine if the rings are the issue.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
homestd
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
12
Jan 1, 2022 10:38 AM
IslandXJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
15
Jun 13, 2013 08:59 PM
93 2dr cherokee
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
May 9, 2012 09:43 PM
DirtyKK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Feb 27, 2012 05:58 PM
bighouts5591
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
15
Dec 28, 2011 05:39 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)



