NCJeepin

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and any forum for that matter. So please bear with me. I am having an issue with my 89 XJ that I can't figure out. I swapped a 95 H.O. into my 89(motor had a bad rod bearing and a lot of miles). I swapped the exhaust and intake onto the 95. Got the motor in, cranks but won't start. I have power at the coil but no spark right after it. Ive tried 3 different used CPS's, coils, and 2 different distributors. I've been trying to figure this out for 2 weeks so any help or advise would be appreciated. Thanks

cruiser54

Welcome.

Did you use the 89 flywheel or the 95 flywheel?

For future reference:

http://cruiser54.com/?p=100

NCJeepin

95 flywheel. Took me a minute to remember if I swapped that or not. And I did not. Embarrassingly, I didn't realize it would matter.

NCJeepin

Also, are the coolant temp sensor and knock sensor a necessity? Unfortunately the knock sensor and plug got destroyed. I'm assuming it melted being that close to the exhaust manifold. And it seems the plug is a junkyard item.

cruiser54

There's the problem.

Knock sensor connector is the same as fuel injectors.

CTS is a necessity for sure.

Used the 89 distributor also? Did you index it? http://cruiser54.com/?p=68

Which intake manifold gasket did you use. Has to be for the intake manifold you are using.

NCJeepin

Ok great thank you. I guess the knock sensor wire is splice-able. I had to use the distributor out of my 91 renix parts jeep(89 distributor got damaged when pulling bad motor) I indexed it, checked it; then rechecked it trying to figure out the problem. I used the 89 gasket and 89 manifolds. I'll pull the motor back out this weekend. Or would going the trans route be easier?

cruiser54

For clarification, 90 is the last year of Renix.

NCJeepin

My apologies. I realized after you brought it up that I did indeed say 91 but it is a 90. I wasn't thinking, I also have two MJ's, one a 88 and the other a 91(was my father's). Just didn't realize I got mixed up. I have another renix in my shed that is locked up. I tried that distributor as well thinking that was the problem. Never realized the difference in flywheels. Plus side is I did use correct flexplate

cruiser54

I am using flywheel as a term to describe both flywheel and flexplate. What are you calling a flywheel?

fb97xj1

An automatic uses a flexplate. A manual uses a flywheel. Whichever one you have, try not to hit the crank sensor with it. I recommend removing the sensor first, and install last.

XJeepCheep

I have done this swap quite a few times. Basically you need to use everything off of the renix motor, flywheel, crank sensor, distributor, thermostat housing etc. And you have to hook up the sensor on the driver side of the head to a different spot. The newer motors don't have that sensor.

cruiser54

Early HOs have the provision for the temp sender for the gauge at the back of the head.