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.

Jeep backfires when NOT under pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-19-2019, 08:05 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
NWGeorgiaXJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0lt l6
Default Jeep backfires when NOT under load

So for the past week or so my Jeep, 95 xj 6cyl 4.0, has been backfiring pretty bad. At first it barely did it and only at high rpm, then it would do it anywhere between 2 and 3 thousand rpms. After that I replaced fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires and fuel pump. None of which changed anything. Oh and I ran some sea foam through it. Then I replaced the fuel pressure regulator. At first it was running normal, actually better than normal. Then about a day later I would start it and it would backfire, then I’d turn it of and start again and it would be fine. So it did that for about a day. Now (the next day) it backfires no matter what if it’s NOT under load. If I’m going up a steep hill or if I floor the accelerator it runs fine. I checked the fuel filter and it’s clean, I checked the oil and it’s a smidge low but it’s a 24 year old Jeep so it leaks a little😂
Oh and the fuel pressure is around 30 lbs, I think spec is like 49.2 if I’m not mistaken. I had it stuck in the mud about two weeks ago but it was only up to the middle of the front wheels.
Anyways I’m at a total loss as to what to do. Ide really appreciate it if anybody has any ideas.
Thanks in advance!

Last edited by NWGeorgiaXJ; 02-19-2019 at 08:16 PM. Reason: Accidentally Put wrong word in title
Old 02-19-2019, 08:18 PM
  #2  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
NWGeorgiaXJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0lt l6
Default

The title meant to say “load” and not pressure
Old 02-19-2019, 08:32 PM
  #3  
gat
Senior Member
 
gat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
Default

Change the cap and rotor for the distributor as well as the filter for air.
1994, I believe, is 31 p.s.i. with the vacuum connection on the pressure regulator and 39 p.s.i. without the vacuum connection on the pressure regulator. Doesn't your rail have a return gasoline line next to the input line? The +/- 49 p.s.i. is a few years later in model and only has one line into the fuel rail because the fuel pressure regular is on top of the of the pump and a part of the assembly.
Old 02-19-2019, 08:47 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
NWGeorgiaXJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0lt l6
Default

Thank you so much. That clears up some stuff, I was wondering how the fuel pressure could be low after replacing almost the whole fuel system. I’ll pick up the parts tomorrow and let you know how it turns out!
Old 02-19-2019, 09:23 PM
  #5  
gat
Senior Member
 
gat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
Default

Another good maintenance thing to do that is very easy is to spray the idle air control valve with throttle body/carburetor cleaner. That valve can be stuck partially open or over closed from junk building at that valve.
Also, one go with a tank based fuel injector cleaner wouldn't likely be sufficient to clean them. Do one addition for the next two to three tanks.
Old 02-20-2019, 08:07 AM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
SatiricalHen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 5,920
Likes: 0
Received 190 Likes on 165 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Save the cap you take off of the distributor and cut a hole in it at the number one post, then roll the motor over to TDC cylinder one, line up the timing mark on the harmonic balancer with the 0 and then check to make sure the rotor is just past the #1 post. That's what was causing my issue for over a year and I just finally fixed it and it's wonderful.
http://cruiser54.com/?p=68
Old 02-20-2019, 08:38 AM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
Waynerd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: North canaan Connecticut
Posts: 1,469
Received 26 Likes on 26 Posts
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Not sure about 95 but for obd2 a bad O2 sensor will cause backfiring.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hatsuwr
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
1
08-30-2016 09:16 PM
cherokee90
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
06-11-2011 11:49 PM
Dwd
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
33
01-22-2010 01:18 PM
xjchris
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
11-18-2009 06:58 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Jeep backfires when NOT under pressure



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:06 AM.