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.

Muffler explosion

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 09:38 AM
  #1  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default Muffler explosion

Hello all:

I have just picked up a 1987 4.0L 4wd (little waggy w/ panels). Was taking it over to pick up vacuum hoses and the muffler exploded.

Any thoughts on why the muffler exploded would be helpful. I'd like to correct whatever caused it to blow before I have another one installed.

Thanks!
Jan
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 09:39 AM
  #2  
The Rooster's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, New Jersey U.S.A.
Year: 1990 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Renix
Default

pictures? did the jeep back fire at all before this happened?
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 09:51 AM
  #3  
Carl48's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, MIchigan
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Too rich fuel mixture...raw gasoline into hot muffler...kaboom.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 10:15 AM
  #4  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default

Yes, it did stumble and backfire. Here's a photo of the muffler.

If the fuel is running rich, how do I adjust it?
Attached Thumbnails Muffler explosion-muffler.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 10:44 AM
  #5  
RTorrez1's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4
From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I did have this happen to me in an old Dodge that I had a long time ago and it was due to it running to rich like Carl48 mentioned. It didn't back fire at all. But, after running for just a little bit it did explode.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 11:46 AM
  #6  
89Laredo's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,423
Likes: 61
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Wow... I'd say its time for a tuneup
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 01:17 PM
  #7  
Omnipotent Octopus's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Year: 00'
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6 4.0l 242.c.i.
Default

I have never seen a muffler explode....pretty interesting.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 01:22 PM
  #8  
89Laredo's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,423
Likes: 61
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

used to happen with old carbed vehicles alot... Usually manuals, If they stalled it would still send fuel into the exhaust.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 01:26 PM
  #9  
cpnwrench's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: West Texas
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Default



muffleranatomy 101....... wow, never seen that!!!

check spark plugs for proper gap and for fouling, replace.


any codes you can retrieve?

O2 sensor?
MAP sensor?
TPS?

Clean the IAC.

87.....does it have an EGR valve? (diagram on firewall over brakebooster should define that, if its still there!)


vacuum lines all ok?


cpnwrench

Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 03:54 PM
  #10  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default

The EGR valve moves when I press it. Th EGR vacuum line was off. It's now reconnected.
New spark plugs (Champion Copper) as the old ones had carbon deposits.
Replaced the vacuum line that services the cabin air because that had a break. Replaced the vacuum that goes from the air cleaner to the CCV. The CCV needs to be replaced, but that is evidently a dealer part. It's clear though with no obstructions.

The Jeep is still backfiring. What do I need to check now?

Where is the IAC?

Thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 03:58 PM
  #11  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default

Also ran seafoam through the injectors and dumped the rest in the gas tank.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 03:58 PM
  #12  
89Laredo's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,423
Likes: 61
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

When is the last time you did the oxygen sensor?
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 04:01 PM
  #13  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default

Don't have a clue as I just got this last week. Is there a way to test the O2 sensor?
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 04:06 PM
  #14  
89Laredo's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,423
Likes: 61
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

not really... Pry should get one, since renix wont tell you when its time, unlike OBD vehicles.
General consensus is that NTK is better than Bosch, and cheaper.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 08:20 PM
  #15  
jtrask's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0
Default

I've just replaced the O2 sensor. It is running a little better, but still backfire when under load.

New MAP sensor, new O2 sensor, new plugs, cleaned IAC, cleaned throttle body, sprayed out TPS sensor when I was cleaning the throttle body. Not seeing cracks/breaks in the vacuum lines. PO put in new disty, cap and rotor. I think they mentioned that they also put in a cam sensor.

It's definitely running rich as evidenced by the carbon build up on all the plugs. When I press on the accelerator it bogs and backfires. It runs ok (but not great) when minimal pressure is on the accelerator. Seems to shift gears ok, but have not been able to get it past 2nd (auto trans).

The grounds are clean, and I'm running out of ideas. It seems like it's something in the adjustment area since all the plugs are equally carboned and there's no issue with cranking/idling.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I want to get this running asap.

Thanks in advance!
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:41 AM.