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Problem Starting and Random Engine Cut-Outs

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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 08:17 PM
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XJ-nick's Avatar
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
Year: 1997
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Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
Default Problem Starting and Random Engine Cut-Outs

Ok, so a couple weeks ago my Heep started having problems starting like it is starving for fuel.

So, I started asking questions and trying to troubleshoot it myself, but this isn't really my field.

I have replaced the crankshaft position sensor, throttle position sensor, spark plugs, plug wires (7k ago), distributor (7k ago), and now the fuel pump too.

It doesn't like starting. I have to let it turn over and over and over for a good 10-15 seconds before it will fire up. Then, randomly every now and then it likes to cut out when i get on it and especially hitting a left turn and getting on it, like cutting out into traffic or something. I'm at a loss here. I'm thinking maybe dirty fuel injectors? thought I'd ask before I spend anymore money searching for a problem I might not have considered the right answer to.

Thanks for your help, and yes, I have already used the search function. I just didn't find what I was looking for or what made me comfortable so I am asking for help so please don't just tell me that the SEARCH function was made for a reason.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 08:19 PM
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o2's?
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 08:24 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
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what makes an O2 go bad anyways? could the fact that I finally put a muffler on have anything to do with this?
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 08:59 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
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any other input? i am really at a standstill and am getting tired of having to turn my engine over for so long to get a start.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:02 PM
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These parts are generally the original ones. They get old and fail... Putting a complete/repaired/aftermarket exhaust should in no way impact the o2's, assuming exhaust is functioning properly... As for the overheating thing, have you checked all fluids and filters to make sure everything's in order? Try adding a tranny cooler from B&M. They are cheap and easy. Also a good opportunity to do a flush on your coolant system cause everything's gonna be disconnected..
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:47 PM
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I'd bet it's not as bad when you have a full talk.

a 15 cent fix.

Next time the tank is only 1/2 full or less, remove the 8 small bolts that hold the fuel pump and sending unit in the tank. No need to drop the tank.

Pull it out - notice the short piece of hose on it. Cheapie pumps use junk hose - it leaks, sucks air.
Replace the hose with one designed for FUEL - NOT VACUUM. 15 CENTS.

it's an easy 20 minute fix, except for the fuel running down your arms.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:49 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
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Originally Posted by VTJeep
These parts are generally the original ones. They get old and fail... Putting a complete/repaired/aftermarket exhaust should in no way impact the o2's, assuming exhaust is functioning properly... As for the overheating thing, have you checked all fluids and filters to make sure everything's in order? Try adding a tranny cooler from B&M. They are cheap and easy. Also a good opportunity to do a flush on your coolant system cause everything's gonna be disconnected..
I'm not having an overheating issue at all just a starting issue and a random cut out, no temp problems whatsoever.

Originally Posted by rrich
I'd bet it's not as bad when you have a full talk.

a 15 cent fix.

Next time the tank is only 1/2 full or less, remove the 8 small bolts that hold the fuel pump and sending unit in the tank. No need to drop the tank.

Pull it out - notice the short piece of hose on it. Cheapie pumps use junk hose - it leaks, sucks air.
Replace the hose with one designed for FUEL - NOT VACUUM. 15 CENTS.

it's an easy 20 minute fix, except for the fuel running down your arms.
Thanks for the info man, but I have a 97, so my fuel pump is on top of my tank. There's only one giant plastic lock nut that holds my pump in. as for the hose, it's not leaking at all. and my pump is a chrysler made pump.

I'm still having this issue and I filled up today and I'm still only showing half a tank with a full tank. I checked the float on the pump, and it's functioning properly. When I put my old one back in, it does the same thing. Does the Jeep Cherokee tank have to be empty when a new pump is installed? to calibrate the pump and sending unit?
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:55 PM
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shouldnt matter how much fuel is in the tank when you do it. how bout u get a fuel pressure gauge and see what happens.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
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Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
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Well, that's what I was going to do today but got out of work too late and the autohobby shop on base was closed. and they are closed tomorrow. so friday I'm going to have the pressure tested at the fuel rail to see what I'm getting. But it's a brand new pump. so yeah.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ-nick
I'm not having an overheating issue at all just a starting issue and a random cut out, no temp problems whatsoever.



Thanks for the info man, but I have a 97, so my fuel pump is on top of my tank. There's only one giant plastic lock nut that holds my pump in. as for the hose, it's not leaking at all. and my pump is a chrysler made pump.

I'm still having this issue and I filled up today and I'm still only showing half a tank with a full tank. I checked the float on the pump, and it's functioning properly. When I put my old one back in, it does the same thing. Does the Jeep Cherokee tank have to be empty when a new pump is installed? to calibrate the pump and sending unit?
I read somewhere that the sending unit requires a very good ground to work properly.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:20 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
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Originally Posted by Firestorm500
I read somewhere that the sending unit requires a very good ground to work properly.
I'll be sure and check this! Thanks for the input!
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 09:43 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
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Ok, so had the pressure tested, looking at about 50 psi all around. But, I did notice that when I filled the tank up, it got a lot harder to start. sort of. When I punch it, it acts like it is running on less than 6 cylinders, then after holding it on the floor for a minute the rest of the motor kicks in and it hauls butt again.

is there a way to test an o2 sensor?

please somebody help this is getting old and i'm running out of money to just throw at it

Last edited by XJ-nick; Sep 6, 2011 at 09:44 PM. Reason: added info
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 01:22 AM
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I wonder if the carbon canister could have anything to do with this?
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 01:45 AM
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Mine does the same thing only its just hard starting...I don't have any other fuel issues whilst I'm driving. I'm thinking its a fuel pump issue and I've heard just as rrich says...that stupid little hose on the fuel pump is causing a problem. Seems this problem has been rectified by others by simply replacing that piece of hose. I happen to have a length of that stuff rated for fuel...I think I'll try that.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:28 PM
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From: Richlands, NC/Charlotte, NC yeah I live in 2 places YUNVME?
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Originally Posted by Firestorm500
I wonder if the carbon canister could have anything to do with this?
What is the carbon canister?

Originally Posted by Bugsy
Mine does the same thing only its just hard starting...I don't have any other fuel issues whilst I'm driving. I'm thinking its a fuel pump issue and I've heard just as rrich says...that stupid little hose on the fuel pump is causing a problem. Seems this problem has been rectified by others by simply replacing that piece of hose. I happen to have a length of that stuff rated for fuel...I think I'll try that.
I have a completely different setup than you my friend, assuming that you are talking about your 1991 XJ?
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