Like a shelter dog I had no history on this old boy when I bought him.

He’s been teaching me a lot since then of course.
• New:
- Cooling System
- Distributor Cap
- Fuel Injectors
- Spark Plugs
- MAP sensor
- 32” Tires (2012 and still rolling???)

Electrical’s been short cut more often than I care to list here.

For the reason we’re here:

Won’t turn over. Original V-6 Inline.
What he tells me;
- a “chug/pop” out the exhaust
- loss of acceleration for the last week
- massive fuel consumption
None of which a “mechanic” can’t seem to isolate.
My suspicion is that when the new plugs & cap were installed the plugs may not have been gapped properly.

Could Any of you fine Jeep Officianados have the answer?

No to the bolded

What do you mean "wont turn over" ?

That to me means that you have verified the starter motor is getting 12V, but the engine does not rotate, however the rest of your statement does not support my assumption

My best guess from what you have said is spark plug wires in wrong order

We need more info from you, including year, and whether you have "cranks no start", or "no crank" condition

By your alias, I assume it's a 1987. If so, we generally refer to the '87-'90 model years as RENIX due to the fuel management system jointly produced by RENault and bendIX. BTW you should clarify the engine type you have. XJ's from '87 on had I-6s or I-4s (even diesels) . 1986 and earlier did have a V-6 option so it's important to make sure you include Year, Engine, Transmission, drive train, approx mileage and other pertinent info about your specific issue.

Anyway, you can start here at Cruiser54's (RIP) page:

https://cruiser54.com/?page_id=75

Do tips 1-5 to start.

- Inline-6
- Year: 1987

I’ll try those steps from the link provided above and update.

Regarding the second post: are the combination fuel systems too troublesome to keep and simply better replaced in your experiences?

thank you both!

Too early for me, I dont know the electronics on the pre OBD models

As a tech, I do know that it is often extremely difficult to find anyone that can work on older electronics

Anything is fixable

The electronics would not be cost effective to replace with non-original in my opinion, unless some special circs exist

In addition, we really do need more info on your vehicles symptoms to be of any meaningful help

You are in the right place to find some right here though

It sounds to me like you might be onto something. With the backfire and the issues turning over, as well as upped fuel consumption it could very well be that you aren't getting ignition from the system, thus no turn over. I would start with that. Make sure your plugs are gapped properly. Maybe check the starter as well while you're at it just to be sure. If you still have issues then I'd maybe see if there is poor flow in the fuel lines or if it is leaking somewhere you haven't noticed.

When was the last time you cleaned up all ground points?