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.

 

It only makes this sound when in the starting process and not once the vehicle is running?

 

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.

 

Did you ever find the issue?

 

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.

 

Exhaust is probably hitting the trans crossmember.

 

If this is the case, what would be easiest and quickest fix you think?

 

I have the same problem but only once and awhile ,no rhyme or reason

 

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.