Should I keep going with this 89?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 67
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From: San Angelo, TX
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Should I keep going with this 89?
The po apparently didnt believe in air filters. The hose, TB and attached components were full of oil, grime and what looked like sand (only assuming since the airbox was full of sand). After that I pulled the plugs and saw what you see in the pics, and then the vc which appears to have scorched on oil on the inside. My concern is that the cylinders are fubared and that I should just cut my losses before I. Sink more money into it?
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
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From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
How was it running when you got it? If it was running decent. I would change the fluids and give it a complete tune up and see how it goes from there.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 67
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From: San Angelo, TX
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It was running but not very good. It would have to have some gas to keep idling, and was pushing burning oil smoke out of the air box area. I didn't even bother with a compression test once I saw the oil and crud/sand build up on the ends of the plugs.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 65
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Model: Cherokee
If it were mine, I'd toss in a new set of plugs and drive it around a bit and then check and decide. Looks like a couple of cylinders dead with those plugs. If it kills the new plugs, either junk it or fix the engine..
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
One that isn't firing, has low compression or is pumping oil.
That valve cover doesn't look bad.
Do a dry, then wet compression test first.
Do the valve cover mod before reinstalling the valve cover. Post 25 in my link below.
That valve cover doesn't look bad.
Do a dry, then wet compression test first.
Do the valve cover mod before reinstalling the valve cover. Post 25 in my link below.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Texas
If it was my 89... I would do what cruiser54 suggested with the compression test to make sure you are working with a solid foundation...
Then do every single freaking tune-up and flush/fill service you can think of... if your thermostat housing looks like someone crammed reeces peanut butter cups in it.. just think of what that entire cooling system looks like? your going to have to put some money into this...
Then do every single freaking tune-up and flush/fill service you can think of... if your thermostat housing looks like someone crammed reeces peanut butter cups in it.. just think of what that entire cooling system looks like? your going to have to put some money into this...