Hey 1990 xj with 87 renix motor the temp gauge never really reads above like 160 could this be a bad CTS witch maybe could explain my stumbling and backfiring on acceleration... maybe?

 

Do u know if it has a t-stat installed? If so, it could be a 160 stat that's installed or the stat could be stuck open. Have u verified 160 gauge reading with a point-n-shoot infrared temp gun pointed at the stat housing/cover?

 

Check with thermal gun. If low pull your tstat cover and check your tstat. Make sure you use a mopar 195

 

Idk if it has a t-stat I jught bought it a month ago im just sifting through all the bugs in it. Ill have to check I was wondering the same thing. Would that make it seem like it isnt getting enough fuel on acceleration spit and sputter and backfire. If I lightly touch the throttle Its ok a little further like mid way It just backfires and stumbles now If I damn near floor It she runs like a raped ape I also have a lot of black moisture spitting out the tailpipe when I first start her up my poor lincoln ls looked like it crawled through a chimney lol the tailpipe is really sooty it has dual exhaust from the cat back no mufflers I think I wanna change this back to a normal single exhaust or atleast add a muffler... Sounds badass right now tho

 

Correct me if im wrong but doesnt the CTS monitor coolant temps to send a signal to the ecu to tell it how much fuel and air to send I know other sensors have a part in this to im just wondering if it doesnt have a t-stat would it make it run like crap?

 

Sounds like a good tune-up/TLC is in the near future....plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc., etc. Several different sensors might cause problems as well. With a good tune-up and good sensors a computer controlled EFI motor should run/start flawlessly cold, hot, anywhere in between.

The O2 sensor(s) control A/F ratio. However, the factory fuel mapping/programing will make the motor run flawlessly cold until the O2 sensor heats up and "lights off" so to speak, thus signaling the ECM and "closing" the loop. Computer controlled EFI motors will run lean/clean well before coolant temp is anywhere close to operating temp, whatever that is, thanks to the O2 sensor(s).

 

Ive done plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, coil, tps, refreshed grounds .

So I guess ill be changin out the o2 sensor next. I also have a CPS to swap out, by thr way has anybody cut an axcess panel for the CPS ive also heard some cherokees already have one not sure if it was later models or what tho

Thanks for the help by the way

 

That's good to know......devils in the details. I believe there's a MAP sensor and IAC sensor on the intake as well.

 

My '87 Renix temp gauge reads low all the time. I put in a Mopar 195* thermostat and it didn't change anything.

Adequate heat, though. Oh well.

 

I have an HO engine and mine reads lower than i expected it to, always between 1/4 and 1/2 the gauge.

Then too the P/S pump was so gawd awful when i got the thing that the belt came off the water pump and it got pretty hot, so i guess the thermostat could be stuck open now. But the thermostat, radiator and water pump were all new when i bought it.

At least its not overheating, ive had enough of overheating cars. Thanks, plastic 3800 Series II intake manifold.