Buy a 4.0 they said, it'll last forever they said
04-03-2014, 01:47 AM
#1
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Model: Cherokee
Buy a 4.0 they said, it'll last forever they said
Well, that might be true. What they left out, was that you'll fall in love and empty you're pocket for em! Before being a Jeep man I was a Regal boy. Who had no interest in automobiles. Needless to say, I love my jeep, and want to save her but can't afford the big shop labor fees and I don't mind putting in work.
My situation - background and history of my XJ
I am a rookie here. So if my piston IS damaged, is it replaceable, or does it mean rebuild? Mind you I have next to 0 experience under the hood. But I am going to do it. Just need step by step guides, prefer text and images over video. I am searching for the following - How to replace an oil pump, How to correctly check the flex plate, how to rebuild, how to rip off a donor, how to install the donor. Looks like Detroit it finally unthawing, and I'm ready to put the big boy pants on!
My situation - background and history of my XJ
Spoiler
Last edited by WamBaLam; 04-03-2014 at 01:50 AM.
04-03-2014, 04:15 AM
#2
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Zero knowledge of engines X using info and people off the internet equals zero success when finished.
A total overhaul on an engine is not a place to start learning about engines period. Plus do you have all the tools that are needed to do the job? It takes some specialized tools to do the job. Then you have the machine work that must be done for an overhaul to the block, head.
I think you need to buy a couple of school auto shop manuals and study a few of them to see it you think your able to do the job.
One other idea you might check with some schools and find out if they might rebuild your engine. That way just the older students with shop class's of 3 yrs. or so do engine work and the teacher checks everything. All you have to pay for are the parts.
When and if your ready for the overhaul "NEVER" do one Half A**ed it ends up costing you a lot more money.
A total overhaul on an engine is not a place to start learning about engines period. Plus do you have all the tools that are needed to do the job? It takes some specialized tools to do the job. Then you have the machine work that must be done for an overhaul to the block, head.
I think you need to buy a couple of school auto shop manuals and study a few of them to see it you think your able to do the job.
One other idea you might check with some schools and find out if they might rebuild your engine. That way just the older students with shop class's of 3 yrs. or so do engine work and the teacher checks everything. All you have to pay for are the parts.
When and if your ready for the overhaul "NEVER" do one Half A**ed it ends up costing you a lot more money.
04-03-2014, 04:45 AM
#3
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you were leaking 3 quarts a week out the rms your bearings are shot. The guy you bought it from probably pumped it full of crap to quiet it down for the sale.
04-03-2014, 05:06 AM
#4
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Engine swaps usually work out a lot cheaper than engine rebuilds, especially if you get to hear/see the engine running before you buy it. Of course you don't have a newly rebuilt engine - but you can always learn to rebuild your original engine if you want.
04-03-2014, 07:12 AM
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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04-03-2014, 08:58 AM
#8
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Buy MY stuff off craigslist.
04-03-2014, 10:05 AM
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Welcome to the wonderful world of Jeep addiction. I commend you for wanting to learn how to wrench on your vehicle. I, for one, think that teaching yourself is quite possible, however, I agree with everyone else, that and engine rebuild is probably not where you want to start.
If you're in the Detroit area, then you are surrounded by junk yards. Search around for a good engine.
Swapping out an engine is a big job for a beginner too, but if you're determined, then I think it is quite possible to do it well. And then, you'll have your old one to work on as you get time and experience... but let the professionals handle the machining.
If you're in the Detroit area, then you are surrounded by junk yards. Search around for a good engine.
Swapping out an engine is a big job for a beginner too, but if you're determined, then I think it is quite possible to do it well. And then, you'll have your old one to work on as you get time and experience... but let the professionals handle the machining.
04-03-2014, 10:35 AM
#10
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Best bet for a decent engine is to buy a cheap beat Cherokee and drive it around for a couple of weeks so you know if the engine is good or bad and then swap it in and sell off the Cherokee to a scrap yard and get your money back. Michigan always has cheap Cherokees for sale.
04-03-2014, 01:18 PM
#11
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6 Stroker, AFE Headers, 62mm TB, 24 LB Injectors, Brown Dog kit, HF Cat, 3" Exhaust
I just put my stroker in with no official training. Had a few questions (finding TDC etc) but these guys helped me out. Engine swap and rebuilding are a totally different thing. If you don't want to pay someone to do it, buy another 4.0 and swap it in. (I have mine for sale for 500$ on CL). Will probably save you money in the long run. You can easily accomplish this with the internet/forums/manual.
04-03-2014, 03:12 PM
#12
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Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
??? I thought it was a two piece seal, no need to drop the trans. ANYWAY, loose torque converter bolts are a common cause of a heck of a knock. I'd pull the little plate and check that they got them tight. 10 minute job.
04-03-2014, 03:24 PM
#13
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Year: 99 94
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6
I imagine op's 4.0 has a combination of rear main, oil filter adapter, and valve cover leak like both of mine had. Both of mine had the ofa and valve cover leak and only one has a slightly rear main drip now.
04-03-2014, 04:37 PM
#14
CF Veteran
I say, look on craigslist for someone "parting" one out. ONLY buy it if the guy took a rearend hit, side hit, or rolled it. It should still be in the body, and you can hear it run.