How much water can a stock cherokee cross?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I just about s**t myself 20 minutes ago when I drove through about 8" of water on the road then continued up a hill and my engine started being funky. The RPM and stuff would jump and stuff and it was weird. I don't know how that's possible as it was only like 8" of water and I wasn't going faster than like 12mph. I drove for a minute or two and the engine was back to normal.
Weird. How can I NEVER do this again?
Weird. How can I NEVER do this again?
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,661
Likes: 15
From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
Measuer to where you Air Box is. If it is any deeper than that you will Stall.
So I would say 24 inches would be ok but any deeper and you got problems.
So I would say 24 inches would be ok but any deeper and you got problems.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,661
Likes: 15
From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
I don't know man... Anyone else with experience in this I mean Cherokees can go through water pretty easily. I have heard some people losing there alternator but even that is rare.
Other than that I just Don't know
Other than that I just Don't know
::CF Administrator::
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
I doubt that 8" of water would do that..Has to be something else causing it to sputter up a hill...I drive through 8" of water anytime it rains taking my kids to school...I drove through water that was to just below the doors and had no issues. Now did this sputtering and what not happen only going up hill or did it happen on flat ground?
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driving in 8" of water at 12 mph would cause a little splash. maybe water got over the distributor cap and plugs. When those get wet inside, they cause the jeep to run funny. Check your air filter to see if it's wet.
Renix Super Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Wet air filters essentially cut off the air intake to the engine. Thus starving the engine and flooding it with fuel. That will make anything stumble a little.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 7
From: Schnecksville, PA
Year: 94 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
A stock Xj can cross approx 280-320 miles of water depends on your MPG.
That is if it's only 4-6" deep.
Don't mind me...heat got to me at J/Y today...just being a smart***
That is if it's only 4-6" deep.
Don't mind me...heat got to me at J/Y today...just being a smart***
I dunno...i think the friction and added force the jeep has to endure while passing through water may decrease the gas mileage considerably.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 7
From: Schnecksville, PA
Year: 94 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L



