i have had my xj for bout 6 months. at first, nothing was wrong with it. lately i have had problems with it overheating and and a knocking noise coming from the bottom of the engine. i replaced the thermostat, radiator, water pump, and the coolant temperature sensor. i also had the flywheel bolts tightened. now, the temperature gauge works when it feels like it and when it does, it goes into the red like if it were a tachometer. when i start the engine it feels like if its starving for gas. the engine has shut off on me twice in a matter of three weeks while running. engine will turn but wont start. if i leave it alone for a couple of minutes it will start. i dont know what to do with it so if someone knows something i could use some advice.

 

The first thing you should do is have it checked for any stored codes. Also next time it won't start check it to see if you have a good blue spark and check the fuel pressure with a mechanical pressure gauge at the fuel rail. I'm guessing that you are talking about the 99 XJ on your profile. If so you should have 49psi + or - 5psi. Also you should verify the temp with an I.R. temp gun aimed at the t-stat housing. When it shuts down does it shut down without any kind of warning like you turned the key off? If so I would test the CPS. Check out Cruiser54's mostly Renix Tips post #7
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

 

No more stalling or engine turning off but now It went back to overheating and a/c warming up once it overheats. Ahhhhh!!!

 

When you stand on the gas does the noise get louder?

 

It goes away. Only when in park or in idle.

 

Remember Cherokees are notorious for overheating. Have you ever noticed the noise under load? Like going up a steep hill at 35-40 mph?