The code has been pulled/ read etc and it is Cylinder 3 missfire-- same as the first time the engine light came on and I took it in and they did a diagnostic and told me they could not find anything wrong. They checked fuel pressure they pulled the injector etc. It's a good shop except they are expensive . What I like is that they don't try to sell you stuff you don't need like FIRESTONE and some others do. Yes I said that.
Anyway I tend to believe the heat soak thing. I wrapped insulated aluminum stripping around the injectors from the tube on down to the ports. I'm going to another gig thing and I'll see what happens. I put some injector cleaner in it today. I have triple A so at least I've got that going for me.

Now for the stupid part. I haven't probably spent enough time crawling around in and under the engine compartment to realize where the spark plugs are. I'm sounding like a dumb@#$ here but where the heck are they? It's probably obvious but maybe it's like hiding in plain site. I know it sounds lazy of me but I'm hoping one of you good souls will clue me in. Maybe give me a hint. One word even. Okay guys- you have all been a great help and I appreciate it. The code is the code. Let me know what you think and I'll post what happened on my way to the gig and back. Hopefully nothing will go wrong.

 

00 and 01 have DIS (distributorless ignition system)...the plugs are under the coil rail...you can't see them until you remove it. Maybe somebody with a 00 or 01 can post a pic for you showing location and how to remove.

 

I have same problem.. Misfire on 3

Well here a picture. Just take off those bolts and the rail comes off there like 5 or so I can remember

 

-- Thanks for the pics.....I'm into the plugs for my next session. I was looking at that cover today. I'll pull #3 and see if it's looking bad.
Drove the Jeep tonight with no problems. I don't really understand why so little of a heat shield (on injectors) does anything significant towards fixing the problem but I'm going with the flow on it. I like it a lot so far.

These old Cherokees are everywhere around here where I live. I see at least one every time I go out of the driveway. That's no bull. There are thousands around here!

The next sound of many I notice from my vehicle is the sound of something like an idle correction/ increase kicking in when at a stop in gear. Kind of a slight surge like a gear is changing while I'm sitting still with my foot on the brake. .. this calls for some question marks = ? ? ?

 

have 97 zj 4.0L inline 6 had similar problems once. mine had the same clear liquid blowing out of the exhaust pipe. lay paper towels on the ground with motor running and see if black dots form on the paper. no smell to it at all. not water. not oil. has to be some form of gas that lost it's smell. anyways, my rpms started fading, fuel consumption got worse, had a rough idle, and the vehicle would stall and not want to fire up easily. had to change my IAC ( idle air control valve / sensor ) and my upstream O2 sensor and spark plugs. fuel started running lean ( PO171 ) and fouled out my O2 and plugs. excessive carbon build up in the motor and exhaust due to this. sprayed 2 cans of Sea Foam into the throttle body and blew that **** out. what was left blew out the exhaust on the ensuing 1 hour joy ride. restored my rpms and eliminated the miss / misfire. i also took apart the throttle body and cleaned it thoroughly. if your fuel to air mixture is not right, neither will your spark be for very long. check them plugs and O2 sensor for black build up. check out your IAC , TPS ( throttle position sensor ), and your MAP or MAF sensor. map sensors have those tiny hoses on the bottom of them that connects to your throttle body. easily clogs up or hose can come cracked or loose as well. hope this helps.

 

okay- what is Seafoam-? Locations of IAC, upstream 02 sensor,TPS, ? Where can I find a good diagram of components?



well I guess Seafoam is like or similar to carb cleaner and I'm thinking anything that is a hose or line for air- exhaust- etc could stand to be inspected, blown out, cleared, replaced etc.....as for the diagram I'll have to do the search I guess- this seems like a typical type problem with some models and I guess I'll deal with it as I go. I still appreciate the help.

I think the fast food syndrome has somewhat set in== that's cool-- from all the posts I am definately more familiar with my situation and now I go on to conquer all problems that could possibly happen to a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Sweet.

 

just an update-- I haven't had any problems with the Jeep since I wrapped the insulation on the injector lines. No misfire or rough idle. It starts right up and goes every time.