Hey all.
Been a bit since I started a thread. Enjoy reading and searching and all that goodness... but a while since I started something to chew on. Lol.

Soooo.... there are the how many miles on a 4.0. and the "how tough is the 4.0" type threads. Did a search for the 2.5 AMC engine, and didn't get much. Given that it is the BASE model engine, that isn't too surprising I suppose... especially with the dominance of the 4.0 in regards to the model.

I have read that the modest 2.5L is like the 6 cylinder with two jugs lopped off. Lol. I do not know how true that is.

What I can say is that my 2.5L is in the neighborhood of 184,000 and counting. I haven't done anything to the engine core itself. I have changed oil, filters, wires, plugs, distributor components, sensors.... basic maintenance crap. I have changed the water pump. I think that is it in terms of large assemblies attached to the engine. Oh...wait...swapped to the 702 injectors as well, which cured the herky jerky I was getting at about 55mph quite some time ago. Ok, and head gasket on general principle because I overheated once. So, 184,000 and ticking with a little blow by, and a bit of valve tap.

How about the rest of you guys. I know the 2.5 isn't the dominant powerplant in the XJ, but it is pretty strong for a 4 banger, and seems tougher than people would give it credit for. Read that a lot of Wranglers/YJs rocked the I4. My engine/trans/differential are rapidly outliving the unibody on my XJ. I have rust holes underneath that need patching, and only recently got my busted up, rusty exhaust patched back together.

I can't be alone in the 4cyl Cherokee club!

 

My 87 has the 2.5 in it. Currently at 242,xxx miles and counting. Runs good, just doesnt have much power, and it sounds like crap with no muffler. But I can't complain about it, its a good engine.

 

Mine sounded burly without the muffler.
Obnoxious, was paranoid as hell about getting cited for it, but sounded wicked. Wish it got a bit better mileage. Lol. Can't really complain though, been a good one.

 

Idleservice has a 2.5L in his 88 comanche. 212xxx miles.

 

My buddy's 2.5L has 282,xxx miles. Still runs great.

It really is like a mini 4.0L. Looks almost the same, just smaller.

 

I had 187k on my 2.5l Yj it was great little engine. i would be in the 225k range now if I kept the jeep

 

My red 93 has 206k on it. I have personally put 100k on it. The black 93 has 176k, but is currently not running. Not sure why tho, my friend bought it on a online auction. Looks like they were golng to pull the engine since it is stripped and only has two bolts in the bell housing

Muskrat39

 

I have a 1984 cherokee 2.5 4 cylinder and it's been stating for 8 years. It ran ok before. What are some suggestions I need to do to get it started. It does need a new battery, and flush the fluids. But what else should I do?

 

Both my XJ's have a 4.0. My 97 TJ has the 2.5 with only 123000. It doesn't get driven too often, only 10,000 miles in the 4 years I've had it. It's a weekend in the summer toy.