Ok so I have had a few problems with this Jeep but this site has helped me a lot. Recently My 88 cherokee 4.0 has had a hard time getting started and I have been getting it jumped. Everthing runs fine afterwards. Now today I put a brand new battery in and the engine just turns endlessly! I can smell fuel so I know its getting that. I have also put in a new starter and alternator withen a years time, plus a new MAP sensonr, o2 sensor, and all plugs plus wires... even the distributor. Not sure what it could be. I noticed the negative batter cable was hot when I was checking things. Any ideas?...

 

Verify spark with a plug out and grounded while cranking. If you keep the starter going it will heat up your battery because it has a significant draw.

 

I will give that a try. That is good new about the cable. Do you think it could be the crank shaft sensor?

 

I pulled the wire out of the distributor and there is no spark when the engine in turnig.

 

Did the ground for the block get unplugged? (Not the battery ground but the engine ground)

 

Idk about an 88 but newer jeeps if the crankshaft position sensor is bad it will shut off fuel and fire. It will still turn over but it wont start.

 

where is the ground for the block?

Good advice about the newer Jeeps. I am not sure either. the Jeep was runnig perfect and being drive all over a few days ago.

 

Did it ever randomly die during driving before it stoped starting?

 

No it has never died on me. It only has or had a problem starting if it sat for more than a day. once running it ran like a champ.

 

Huh. Good chance its not the crank position sensor then

 

Ok, I checked the block ground and it's fine. I just went outside and poked around and still found nothing. I purposely flooded the engine and bam it started.... turned it off and on sevral times and it strats up likes it new, but I still concerned. Think maybe it is the fuel pump or maybe filter? As it idels there are slight surges... very slight of maybe 100rpm.

 

I have never had to trouble shoot a fuel pump but if you can hear it spin up when you turn the key to the on position then I think your good on that (dont take my word on cause I'm not 100%). I know mine had a hard time starting when I first got it and I did a full tune up (oil, oil filter, spark plugs, wires, cap/rotor, fuel filter, and injector cleaner) and it helped it start faster and fuel economy.