Hi, I'm brand new to CF so I apologize if I didn't post this in the correct area.
So, about two months ago I bought a 1990 cherokee. (Automatic,
220,000 miles.) The head gasket was clearly going out, so I said whatever and did it myself. Well.. after that, I've been having all sorts of issues. It idles around 500 but will go up to 1,000+ and then back down to even 250 and then back up again. I got rid of the overheating issue, but it just doesn't seem like it wants to shift. If I drive in manual 1 /2 and 3rd it runs fine. But as soon as it's in drive it's very sluggish and lacks power. It also makes a sucking noise from what seems to be the intake side of the block, although I just did a new manifold gasket.
almost feels as if it's a fuel issue. I replaced the filter yesterday and it made no difference. I have a new pump, but I don't want to do the pump if it's not going to fix it. At least not right now. (I work 7 days a week 12 hours right now. But if anyone could give me some direction as to where this issue is coming from that would be awesome. I'll include a list of things I've done so far.

 

bump

 

Hi Nasty. I am fairly new here but been working on cars for quite some time, some of my thoughts...

"It idles around 500 but will go up to 1,000+ and then back down to even 250 and then back up again. "

If this happens all on its own, without touching anything, this indicates a leak of some kind (vacuum, manifold gasket). Next would be to check your idle solenoid for proper function. I know you list it as cleaned but sometimes it has to be replaced. But I would suspect the leak first.

"I got rid of the overheating issue, but it just doesn't seem like it wants to shift. If I drive in manual 1 /2 and 3rd it runs fine. But as soon as it's in drive it's very sluggish and lacks power. It also makes a sucking noise from what seems to be the intake side of the block, although I just did a new manifold gasket."

Keeps sounding like a leak on the manifold gasket. You mention you adjusted the kick down, you can find details here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/

"almost feels as if it's a fuel issue. I replaced the filter yesterday and it made no difference. I have a new pump, but I don't want to do the pump if it's not going to fix it."
I don't think fuel problems would affect the shifting. You would see long cranks to start, rough idle (which you seem to have some). The best/most precise way would be to measure fuel pressure at the rail.

I know kind of generic but just trying to help

Sergio

 

It sounds more like a transmission problem than an engine problem.

All i can do is give you my opinion, I have a manual so i am taking a couple swings what to do.

*Changing out the ATF fluid, filter, drop the pan to examine what it looks like.
*Could be a solenoid
*i do not know if the NSS as anything to do with that

As for the sucking noise, your gonna have to trace the air leak or whatever it is. Use the smoke test

 

First clean all the grounds, especially by dipstick.
Second verify vacuum to map sensor, lines not cracked, is it still the tiny spaghetti line?
Read someplace that the small line was there to meter the vacuum remove fluctuations.
Third the AW4 is controlled by a TCM own computer, works off the TPS throttle position sensor, and is independent of the ECM.
I get home have Renix manual, and FSM for 89 models on the PC I could email you.

 

1990XJ, absolutely clean those grounds. Even add an additional or two.
I appreciate you cleaned the TPS.
I would next replace the TPS. I've consumed three TPS over last 750+K km on 89Peep.
Napa price in USA is probably reasonable around $40, maybe less.