jeep broke down please help
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Richlands VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My jeep all of a sudden started missing and it will try to die and blows smoke out of the valve cover gasket area its a 97 sport 4.0 aw4 163000 miles also has no power and good oil pressure can't figure it out
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
For missing, you gotta review tuneup hardware. Fresh Champion spark plugs gapped to .035, new plug wires, distributor cap and rotor.
Simple stuff first. Always. Start there.
If you have GOOD tuneup hardware (and not before) I'd recommend that you verify fuel pressure. For a 99, you should have 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi. Must be done with a fuel pressure gauge mounted on the schrader valve on the fuel rail.
This is a process of elimination. Simple to more complex.
Simple stuff first. Always. Start there.
If you have GOOD tuneup hardware (and not before) I'd recommend that you verify fuel pressure. For a 99, you should have 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi. Must be done with a fuel pressure gauge mounted on the schrader valve on the fuel rail.
This is a process of elimination. Simple to more complex.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Richlands VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It has been tuned up in the last couple of months don't think that it the problem it has a real bad knock to but I think it is missing on more than 1 cylinder
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Check engine light ON?
If so, on some early 1997 models, you can pull the codes with the "key-on, key-off" technique (later year 1997 won't allow you to do this).
Try it. It might provide a very valuable clue. Here's how.
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoECUcodes.htm
Don't forget about fuel pressure. Needs to be verified here......
If so, on some early 1997 models, you can pull the codes with the "key-on, key-off" technique (later year 1997 won't allow you to do this).
Try it. It might provide a very valuable clue. Here's how.
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoECUcodes.htm
Don't forget about fuel pressure. Needs to be verified here......
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Richlands VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by xjbeadlocks
heres your issue. could have thrown a rod. rebuild time!
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CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Did you register at the autoparts store? You're going to need a rebuild from the sound of it. I hope your new bride is understanding.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 256
Likes: 1
From: Alabama
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Start with a compression test. Also check oil for water or milky looking. Its possible you blew a head gasket and the watered down oil has now damaged a rod or even a main bearing. Check coolant for oil also. If coolant system pressure is lower than oil pressure it will blow oil into the coolant depending on where a gasket might be blown or if the head or block is cracked. Any chance it froze up this winter?
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
bad news bears. if your lucky, you blew the head gasket real bad... if your not then you may find sometihng like i did...

stroke it when you rebuild it! youll be glad you did!
hope its nothing major!

stroke it when you rebuild it! youll be glad you did!
hope its nothing major!


