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XJ Ask the Question Thread
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 88
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just change the oil & use a good filter it will be fine. The last thing you want to do is loosen that crud and plug everything up solid.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Normal oil is fine. Some have higher detergents than others.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Desert, how bad does it look when shining a light into the filer?
Like Turbo says, don't shock the system.
I've had excellent results with Rotella T3 and MMO.
Like Turbo says, don't shock the system.
I've had excellent results with Rotella T3 and MMO.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I mentioned changing my valve cover gasket... besides the vast improvement..... I snapped off two heater hose ports in the back by firewall... Is it possible to replace this unit where the heater hoses are joined???? Little help here guys .... please
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 2
From: Glendale,Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l 6Cyl
What is the symptom of a stuck or gummed up valve? I have weird motor running issues and everything has tested out good that iv checked.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 2
From: Glendale,Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l 6Cyl
Take a picture for us to see, it will help us with an answer for you.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Also oil gets darker when it's exposed to heat.
Misfires, poor running, low power, etc. Leakdown and compression test will reveal valve and ring issues. If your engine had a poor life previously some MMO to free up a sticky lifter may help. Generally problems with the lifter system (incl the hollow pushrods) show up with a rattle, tick, or tap.
Probably the heater control valve. If so bypass it and plug the vacuum line.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 88
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
VC gasket is good, recently replaced with a FelPro.
Oil Pressure sending unit is good, recently replaced.
Engine compartment recently degreased/cleaned
Distributor Cap is covered in oil and the insides of the wire end covers are heavily soaked with oil. No obvious leak in the area, but can visibly see a light coating of oil around the general vicinity.
What's the most likely culprit? What to check next?
Oil Pressure sending unit is good, recently replaced.
Engine compartment recently degreased/cleaned
Distributor Cap is covered in oil and the insides of the wire end covers are heavily soaked with oil. No obvious leak in the area, but can visibly see a light coating of oil around the general vicinity.
What's the most likely culprit? What to check next?
Any other suggestions?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 8
From: San Jose
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 882
Likes: 1
From: MI 48642
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
When I take my gas cap off, there is no pressure release from the tank. Is that normal of a properly functioning gas cap? I know I should just replace it and not ask stupid questions, but I am curious lol.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 2
From: Glendale,Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l 6Cyl
Should I be concerned with the way this looks inside the filler hole on the valve cover?
Just did an oil change on it, rear main seal is leaking now that I swapped to a 10w30 compared to 15w 40 I was using.
Just did an oil change on it, rear main seal is leaking now that I swapped to a 10w30 compared to 15w 40 I was using.





