Jeep Cherokee distributor issues
06-30-2017, 03:24 PM
#1
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Model: Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee distributor issues
Hello I just bought a 1994 jeep Cherokee 4.0. I bought a new distributor because it was really bugerd up .The built-in hold down was cut off and the plug wires are one space off. Put new distributor in & put plug wires where they belong but will not start. My question is why would anybody do this. It came with receipts showing new longblock was installed & distributor modification was done a couple of months later. Any body have any ideas.thanks....joedon
06-30-2017, 07:31 PM
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hmmmm. I has me a suspicion:
Haynes and Chilton manuals show the wires incorrectly - one space off. Maybe he was "correcting" for that problem, and you came along and "fixed" it.
Somewhere around here is a picture of the correct placement and order. I'll see if I can find it for you....
Found it:
Last edited by BlueRidgeMark; 06-30-2017 at 07:42 PM.
06-30-2017, 11:27 PM
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Distributor issues
When I got my 1991 Cherokee it also had a distributor modification very similar to what you described. It also had a recent engine swap out from a wrecking yard. The previous owner was told the engine was good. When I did a cylinder compression check, I found compression readings from 50 to 150 depending on the cylinder. No wonder the previous owner had trouble! I ended up pulling the head and having the valves reground. I believe the engine sat so long in the wrecking yard that rust developed around the valve seats. The other problem my jeep had was a plugged catalytic converter. I put a new muffler, catalytic converter, and tail pipe on, replaced the modified distributor with an original used distributor, put the plug wires on correctly and WA LA! It ran beautifully.
