Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

How to 'rotate engine' ??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 03:37 PM
  #1  
Roler's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default How to 'rotate engine' ??

Hi guys,
Could someone please explain how to "rotate engine with the engine starter motor for three revolutions"?
I thought rotate meant cranking, however this is mentioned in a FSM about sorting out starting issues and the battery is disconnected for this, so cant 'crank' it.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 03:43 PM
  #2  
mdnov's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 1
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Do you want to turn the motor over with the battery not hooked up? I just want to make sure that I am understanding you correctly.

Last edited by mdnov; Jan 28, 2012 at 03:46 PM. Reason: needed to ask another question
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 04:40 PM
  #3  
Roler's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Sorry, cant find the specific section in the FSM anymore.
It said to rotate the engine with engine starter with for three revolutions.
But you cant rotate it without the battery begin connected, now can I?

E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable, it says 'roate the engine', which I understand means cranking the engine (with the starter motor/'engine starter')

So, is there another way (at all) you can rotate the engine?
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 05:26 PM
  #4  
mdnov's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 1
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Ahhh, so you want to check the spark. The battery has to be hooked up to do that.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 07:25 AM
  #5  
Roler's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

yeah, I understand, but can one rotate the engine without the battery hooked up?

And how do I so-called "rotate the engine for three revolutions" !?
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 09:09 AM
  #6  
DrShaggford's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Joliet, IL
Year: 1998,2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 09:33 AM
  #7  
Zack92MJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by DrShaggford
You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
this.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 01:06 PM
  #8  
caged's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
Likes: 100
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

pull the coil wire. leave the battery hooked up. but you won't get spark.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 03:26 PM
  #9  
tetrad's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by DrShaggford
You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
I'm going to have to align TDC soon, and was wondering... which way does the engine naturally rotate (ie which way should I rotate it)? And will it only turn that way or will I clobber something by spinning it the other way?
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 05:45 PM
  #10  
Roler's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Thanx guys, sorry I could not provided more info, but this is what I needed. Will also await answer to tetrad's question.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 06:08 PM
  #11  
PatriotGT's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, GA 30157
Year: 1999
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

A simple way to find out which way it rotates is to look at the fan blade,
following belt travel. It pulls air in. Same direction as you tighten the harmonic balancer bolt
(at least on mine)
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 06:21 PM
  #12  
DFlintstone's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

It turns counter-clockwise to for the driver. (that's anti-clockwise if your continent is up-side down). Most easily done with a 3/4 socket after pulling the E-fan. (just two little bolts). You will never get a spark like that thou!
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 06:23 PM
  #13  
sam24th's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 1
From: NC/SC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Not sure why your checking for spark when your trying to do it with the battery disconnected. You can pull the coil wire or CPS sensor and neither will allow the engine to spark. If you pulled the battery cable you can rotate the engine by hand by putting a wrench on the crank pulley and rotating it clockwise while standing in front of the block or counterclockwise if your inside of the vehicle.

Best way to check for spark without a timing light is to leave the battery connected. Pull the main coil wire and attach a sparkplug to it and ground it out. You should be able to see a spark while cranking if your ignition system is in correct operating order.

EDIT: I guess I posted at the same time as DFlintstone LOL.

Last edited by sam24th; Jan 29, 2012 at 06:48 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 06:37 PM
  #14  
Roler's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

thanx guys, but please stop ralking about getting spark, thats no longer the issue haha. But its good to see so many quick and adequate replies.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 06:41 PM
  #15  
DFlintstone's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

^post 13 "post edited"^

Last edited by DFlintstone; Jan 29, 2012 at 07:43 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:24 AM.