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.

One cylinder loses compression - HELP!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 09:39 PM
  #1  
cpunix's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in the gorge
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default One cylinder loses compression - HELP!

A guy sold me 150K mileage engine (pulled from '90 cherokee 4.0L) for a hundred bucks. Said it have one cylinder loses compression. I'm newibe on rebuilding.

Give me tips, direct me a threat form or something that get me going to fix this thing.

Thanks in advanced.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 09:44 PM
  #2  
xj wheeler's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 3
From: S.E. Tx
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 firepower ignition, cat-back w/ magnaflow muffler, poweraid tb spacer, optima blue top
Default

A cylinder low on compression could be several things.

Head gasket leak/cracked head
Broken/bent valve
Worn valve seals
Damaged rings
Damaged cylinder or piston
maybe more

Basically you need to start checking things off to find the problem.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 12:55 AM
  #3  
fishtaconc's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 1
From: Watha,NC
Year: Jeepless at the moment
Default

^^ This... With out knowing what the compression actually is, or anything else, its gonna be difficult to offer any advice to a simple solution.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 01:24 AM
  #4  
DFlintstone's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

I did a bit of searching for "wet" compression test. Didn't find anything outstanding. Pulling the fuel pump relay, grounding the coil wire, and keeping it at wide open throttle where mentioned. I usually go about 7 strokes. 5 should do it, but 2 more is cheap insurance!
================================================== ========[
6. If all the readings are within specifications, there is no need to do the wet test but if there is variation between cylinders, then squirt about a tablespoon of lubricating oil into each cylinder and repeat the test. If the pressures increase appreciably and come up to the manufacturer's specifications, then you can be sure there is piston ring and/or cylinder and piston wear.

7. If after adding the oil, the pressure does not go up, your valves may not be seating properly. Or there is a issue with the head gasket.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 06:01 AM
  #5  
cruiser54's Avatar
::CF Moderator::
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,577
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Unfortunately it's hard to do a compresson test on an engine out of the vehicle......
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 07:11 AM
  #6  
akita8's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Pull the spark plugs and see what they look like. Remember which hole you pulled them from.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 07:30 AM
  #7  
kps's Avatar
kps
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
Unfortunately it's hard to do a compresson test on an engine out of the vehicle......
do you have access to a leakdown tester? you can listen to where air escapes, & tell quite a bit about general shape. you just have to be able to turn engine over with a wrench to get each piston at top dead center. checking one at a time.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 03:10 PM
  #8  
DFlintstone's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
Unfortunately it's hard to do a compresson test on an engine out of the vehicle......
^//^ Good idea Kps. THAT was helpful. Or, if your sure there is a problem, pull the head and have it checked out. (or you can pour kerosene or = into the ports and watch around the valve seats for leaking)
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 04:14 PM
  #9  
cpunix's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in the gorge
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Hello again,

thanks for the inputs. I looked inside and didn't see any damage such as rod, crack mark, something like that but ain't sure about the ring. There's dirty stuff with water inside. Any idea how to clean it out? Any suggestion?

Here's the pictures;

Name:  EFuOS.jpg
Views: 72
Size:  63.4 KB

Name:  w9oKp.jpg
Views: 75
Size:  131.7 KB

Name:  hLKsR.jpg
Views: 73
Size:  62.8 KB

Name:  NGaP9.jpg
Views: 73
Size:  141.9 KB

Name:  3C0js.jpg
Views: 76
Size:  123.5 KB

Name:  uf7VA.jpg
Views: 75
Size:  78.7 KB
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 04:17 PM
  #10  
cpunix's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in the gorge
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by kps
do you have access to a leakdown tester? you can listen to where air escapes, & tell quite a bit about general shape. you just have to be able to turn engine over with a wrench to get each piston at top dead center. checking one at a time.
My friend may have one. Will keep you posted in here.

Thanks! (along with everyone!)
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cpnwrench
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
May 5, 2024 12:21 PM
SergeK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
Feb 27, 2023 03:38 PM
ROCKRIDGE 4WD
Vendor Showcase
6
Jul 13, 2016 12:11 PM
MightyMouse8
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
Oct 8, 2015 08:57 AM
chrispl57
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
Sep 30, 2015 08:13 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:05 AM.