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Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
I was driving up a hill earlier today and the Jeep wasn't wanting to go... then it started stuttering a bit. Like almost bucking, but not quite. It's making me a bit worried that the transmission is starting to go. The shifts have been a bit rough and slow lately, as well as the weird RPM climb then immediate drop that I experienced the other day. Any ideas? No CEL or anything..
Test TPS?
Adjust TV cable?
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I was driving up a hill earlier today and the Jeep wasn't wanting to go... then it started stuttering a bit. Like almost bucking, but not quite. It's making me a bit worried that the transmission is starting to go. The shifts have been a bit rough and slow lately, as well as the weird RPM climb then immediate drop that I experienced the other day. Any ideas? No CEL or anything..
Ever do this?
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: Canton, GA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Fluid level and condition? Use only Dex/Merc fluid. A drain and fill is easy as there's a plug on the pan. You'll need to have about 4 quarts handy for refill.
Ever do this?
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
Ever do this?
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
I've done the cable fix, and I'll look into testing the TPS.
Last edited by tssguy123; Nov 23, 2013 at 09:37 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: Canton, GA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I just got home and checked the fluid... I figured out two things... there's nothing showing on the dipstick, and is the dipstick end supposed to be metal? I don't have a plastic handle, but a metal ring on the end...
And I also found this mess:

No idea what it is... or where it was coming from. Right under a hose labeled "heater" which I'm assuming refers to the heater core?
And I also found this mess:

No idea what it is... or where it was coming from. Right under a hose labeled "heater" which I'm assuming refers to the heater core?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Anyone know the best way to get rid of the sludge in my 4.0? I was replacing my valve cover gasket and noticed a lot of build up. I removed most of what I could get but I'm gonna change my oil too and I'm wondering if there is a certain oil I need to use or an additive that will break it down.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Year: '99 and '91
Model: Cherokee
Did you check it running, warmed up in neutral? If there's nothing showing on the dipstick when checked right then something is wrong.
(Even if you check it wrong I think something should show on the dipstick)
(Even if you check it wrong I think something should show on the dipstick)
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Year: '99 and '91
Model: Cherokee
Anyone know the best way to get rid of the sludge in my 4.0? I was replacing my valve cover gasket and noticed a lot of build up. I removed most of what I could get but I'm gonna change my oil too and I'm wondering if there is a certain oil I need to use or an additive that will break it down.
If you want to get extreme you could add some seafoam in and run for a hundred miles then change the oil again. Or just do it right before an oil change.
"Anyone know the best way to get rid of the sludge in my 4.0?"
^
Sludge is like arterial plaque, easier to prevent than manage, change your oil every 3k. Best way to get rid of sludge is tear it down and boil it out. The cooling system can't be in much better shape either.
^
Sludge is like arterial plaque, easier to prevent than manage, change your oil every 3k. Best way to get rid of sludge is tear it down and boil it out. The cooling system can't be in much better shape either.
CF ADMIN

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34,088
Likes: 257
From: Lantana, Fl
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Anyone know the best way to get rid of the sludge in my 4.0? I was replacing my valve cover gasket and noticed a lot of build up. I removed most of what I could get but I'm gonna change my oil too and I'm wondering if there is a certain oil I need to use or an additive that will break it down.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You think it would be better if I changed the oil and put Seafoam in it, drive it a while, then change it again and use a more expensive oil?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
"Anyone know the best way to get rid of the sludge in my 4.0?"
^
Sludge is like arterial plaque, easier to prevent than manage, change your oil every 3k. Best way to get rid of sludge is tear it down and boil it out. The cooling system can't be in much better shape either.
^
Sludge is like arterial plaque, easier to prevent than manage, change your oil every 3k. Best way to get rid of sludge is tear it down and boil it out. The cooling system can't be in much better shape either.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: Canton, GA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I checked it maybe 10 minutes after a 30 minute drive home. In neutral. Running. I just started draining it and it's pretty dark... still able to see through a bit, though..
hi everyone. i have a 95 cherokee xj with a 4.0 and it recently started stalling out on me while i was driving with no warning. it just turns off and sometimes itll start right back up, or other times it will take 5 to 10 minutes, very scary on the freeway . ive been researching and everyone says its the CPS. so i changed it the other day and this morning it stalled again .i just bought the jeep and the wires plugs look brand new with one of those hi performance coils. i dont know what it could be!!! please any advice will help ! thanks
Last edited by xjmachine; Nov 23, 2013 at 12:23 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: Canton, GA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Cruiser said it took about 4 quarts just by pulling the plug... when I pulled the plug, I only got about 2 quarts (half gallon) out... so, not wanting to over-fill, I put in 3 quarts, then checked the dip-stick right after... and it's way over the full line. That was with the engine off though. So how should I check it to make sure I put enough/not too much in?
Last edited by tssguy123; Nov 23, 2013 at 12:32 PM.





