Ronyo

When I start the engine from cold there is a delay of 10 -20 seconds until I can hear the fan turning and the volt meter show charging.
at the same time I don't hear the belt slipping.
In a warm weather or when the engine is warm there is no delay in fan action or charging.
Can my main pulley be slipping on the crankshaft?

NM-XJ

I assume you are talking about the mechanical fan and not the electric aux fan?

Have you checked belt tension?

Also, *technically* you can't use a voltmeter to see if something is charging. That would take an ammeter. However, I do realize that some systems show a slightly higher voltage when charging. Mine takes a few seconds for the gauge to reach equilibrium...maybe yours does too?

cruiser54

Thanks for your post.

We’re here to help, but you must understand that all Jeeps are not the same.
In order for us to give you more accurate advice and help, we must know the following, as applicable, along with detailed information as to the symptoms/problems etc:

Year
Model
Engine
Transmission
Transfer case

Ronyo

Yes the mechanical fan, the belt is tight.
I have a digital volt meter, 12.6v before start, 12.2v after start, 13.6v when charging.

Ronyo

1997
Cherokee
4.0
Automatic

Radi

If you start it and immediately look under the hood, what do you see?
Is the fan turning? Alternator?

Larry's XJ

better yet would to watch while someone else starts it cold.

Ronyo

All is turning but slow.

NM-XJ

How many miles are on the belt? Maybe time for a new one?

Also, have you loosened/removed belt and checked the fan and alternator pulleys for free movement/turning?

Ronyo

Got It !
The harmonic balancer is bad.