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jeep broke down please help

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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 06:56 PM
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poorstang's Avatar
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From: Richlands VA
Year: 1997
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Default jeep broke down please help

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
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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From: In the middle of Minnesota!
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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.
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 07:01 PM
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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
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 07:05 PM
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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......
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 07:10 PM
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Year: 1997
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Yeah it came on a week or so ago for o2 sensor but I am thinking its may be unrelated
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by poorstang
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
heres your issue. could have thrown a rod. rebuild time!
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by xjbeadlocks

heres your issue. could have thrown a rod. rebuild time!
I hope not cause I don't have the cash for that due to christmas just past and getting married next friday
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 08:14 PM
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Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
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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.
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 08:15 PM
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I should have lol. I think she will be cause she knows how much I love my cheryl(my jeep) lol
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 05:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Bustedback
Did you register at the autoparts store?
Good one!
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 05:35 AM
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Do a compression test.
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 09:29 AM
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Year: 1996
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This^
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 02:16 PM
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Year: 1997
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Could have it jumped time?
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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Year: 1988
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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?
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 03:48 PM
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From: Warrenton MO
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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!
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