Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee Forum (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/)
-   Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/)
-   -   Distributor breaking (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/distributor-breaking-233283/)

lild Feb 12, 2017 03:44 PM

Distributor breaking
 
I have a 97 cherokee with a 4.0. I did the engine and did some mods to it, I put a bigger cam in and a high volume oil pump. I drove it for a year now and the other day it wouldn't start after looking into it I found the distributor broke where its held down to the block. I thought it might have just been from the bolt being lose so I just replaced it with a new distributor and it ran for 5 min then broke the ears off the new one. Anyone have this problem or know why it would be doing this?

cruiser54 Feb 13, 2017 07:11 PM

Does the distributor sit flush to the block?

The distributor and cam gear that drives it look good?

lild Feb 14, 2017 05:52 AM

Yes
 
Yeah it does and they look fine to me

CCKen Feb 14, 2017 06:15 AM

There have been cases where a high volume oil pump puts too much strain on the distributor or OPD and nukes it. This usually happens with the 2000/01 OPD but I think it could happen to a distributor as well.


Just food for thought.

cruiser54 Feb 14, 2017 06:48 AM

2 Attachment(s)
There is a problem I had with a replacement dizzy one time. The tang on the bottom of the dizzy was pushing down on the the oil pump binding it, Not a lot. I ground down the dizzy tang and all is good.

You using a gasket under the dizzy? I don't. I use an O-ring instead. That may help if the tang is an issue also. A little tip here. Rather than use a dizzy gasket, use an o ring instead. NAPA #727-2024.

The bottom of the tang should have no wear marks on it.

lild Feb 17, 2017 03:22 PM

Thank you
 
I don't see wear on it. Sound there be a bracket that holds the ears down on the distributor?

cruiser54 Feb 17, 2017 03:35 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by lild (Post 3360434)
I don't see wear on it. Sound there be a bracket that holds the ears down on the distributor?

Not sure I get your question.

CCKen Feb 17, 2017 03:36 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by lild (Post 3360434)
I don't see wear on it. Sound [should] there be a bracket that holds the ears down on the distributor?


Yes. Without it the distributor will break.


It can be (just barely) seen in this pic.


Get one from the junk yard.


Attachment 304560

cruiser54 Feb 17, 2017 03:37 PM

Duly stolen. Thanks Ken.

CCKen Feb 17, 2017 03:39 PM


Originally Posted by cruiser54 (Post 3360443)
Duly stolen. Thanks Ken.


I need to get a better pic of the hold down clamp.


Too many folks are leaving it off/out and nuking their distributor.

cruiser54 Feb 17, 2017 03:50 PM

1 Attachment(s)
This better?

CCKen Feb 17, 2017 04:18 PM


Originally Posted by cruiser54 (Post 3360452)
This better?


Suggest moving it over to the left and add an arrow pointing at it.

Dumajones Feb 17, 2017 04:21 PM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...64e46749c3.jpg


Here ..for everyone to use

CCKen Feb 17, 2017 09:42 PM

Perfect - stolen.





Originally Posted by Dumajones (Post 3360459)


Dumajones Feb 17, 2017 10:23 PM


Originally Posted by CCKen (Post 3360552)
Perfect - stolen.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a2eade0289.jpg


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:29 AM.


© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands