Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

clunking while starting.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-17-2016, 12:55 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
JohnLawrence's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default clunking while starting.

I have a 1990 Cherokee Sport. It has recently developed an issue of clunking and chugging when cranking on it when starting. I have replaced the battery, starter, and replaced the wiring to the starter. I have gone as far as to remove the wire to the solenoid and jump it to the battery and it still clunks and acts like it loads up. It kind of acts like a big block with a radical cam when it starts doing it's thing.


I swapped out the CPS, Checked the MAF and the TPS. Fuel pressure is good. I'm at a loss. Anyone else ever have this issue?


Thanks in advance.
Old 03-17-2016, 02:16 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
unidentifiedbomb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DE
Posts: 6,098
Received 247 Likes on 206 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Default

It only makes this sound when in the starting process and not once the vehicle is running?
Old 03-17-2016, 02:32 PM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
JohnLawrence's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Thank you for the quick response. Yes, it only make the noise when cranking. To be more specific, when cranking the engine to start, it cranks great. Then out of the blue it will make a clunking noise or the revolutions will slow way down. Once it fires it runs like a top.
Old 05-29-2021, 08:43 PM
  #4  
Newbie
 
mcollum30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by JohnLawrence
Thank you for the quick response. Yes, it only make the noise when cranking. To be more specific, when cranking the engine to start, it cranks great. Then out of the blue it will make a clunking noise or the revolutions will slow way down. Once it fires it runs like a top.
did you ever figure out the issue? i believe I am having the same one in my ‘91.
Old 11-28-2021, 01:01 PM
  #5  
Newbie
 
Sgtoddduck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Boise
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default Answer?

Did you ever find the issue?
Old 11-30-2021, 02:48 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
andysmithJEEP 2000 XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I have a 1989 4.0 I6 Cherokee and I'm having this same issue! It tends to happen more in cold weather too and only when engine is cold. New battery and new starter too. Sometimes it doesn't happen though. Runs great after start up.
Old 11-30-2021, 02:53 PM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
5-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,457
Received 374 Likes on 294 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Exhaust is probably hitting the trans crossmember.
Old 11-30-2021, 03:10 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
 
andysmithJEEP 2000 XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

If this is the case, what would be easiest and quickest fix you think?
Old 11-30-2021, 08:08 PM
  #9  
Member
 
blazer 2008's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vernon B.C. Can.
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes on 16 Posts
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Default

I have the same problem but only once and awhile ,no rhyme or reason
Old 12-01-2021, 02:49 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
 
5-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,457
Received 374 Likes on 294 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Originally Posted by andysmithJEEP 2000 XJ
If this is the case, what would be easiest and quickest fix you think?
New trans mount. Poke your head under the Jeep and see how close the exhaust is to the crossmember. That will tell you everything.

Edit - this is only for the clunking sound part.

Last edited by 5-Speed; 12-01-2021 at 11:51 PM.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mikel213
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
01-21-2020 10:41 AM
JohnLawrence
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
03-17-2016 01:09 PM
Bettler
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
11-28-2012 05:04 PM
durus5995
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
03-21-2012 04:49 PM
kilbrethj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
16
08-21-2009 09:07 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: clunking while starting.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:04 PM.