What did you do to your Cherokee today?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 918
Likes: 6
From: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
It's a southern thing for sure, I can't remember the last time I saw a 2WD XJ up here in PA, but I see them all the time when traveling down south. Since they don't need the 4WD for snow I'd imagine a lot of people who but an XJ new down south and didn't plan on going off-road just bought 2WD, while up north everyone wanted 4WD for winter (since a 2WD XJ really sucks in the snow, mine will spin the rear wheels in 2WD easier than my Mustang in slippery conditions, granted the Mustang has an LSD, traction-control, and a manual trans which certainly helps).
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 3
From: Southern Maryland
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
Had a valve cover leak eating at me, some nice weather today and nothing else on my plate so I jumped on it this morning. Got it all apart pretty easily. Its a 99 engine, so it is the rubber-coated metal gasket with the little crossmembers. Everything cleaned up real nice, and felt good about reusing the OEM gasket again. I coated both sides with Copper spray-on and started reassembly.
I started working front to rear and by the time I got to the back I could not get the rear three bolts to go back in straight very easily, and somehow cross-threaded the one at the very back. The very very back, the one you can't see that's hidden under the ground stud. Somehow I managed to clean it up with a tap by chasing the threads a little. Wow that could have really sucked--have to drop the engine to fix a cross-threaded valve cover job. Lesson relearned: always start your valve cover bolts at the back, its a lot easier to adjust the front bolts when you run out of play.
Anyway while I had things apart I also cleaned the throttle body and the IAC chamber. I've seen a lot of people complaining about noise coming from the IAC housing so I found a Torx security bit and pulled it apart. The stock housing gasket was cracked, so I used some black RTV to make a new seal and put it back together.
Then the TPS broke in half. I dug the extra out of my spares bag (under the back seat next to the jack) and that fixed that.
Put the throttle body back on again, and started the engine for a test. Jeep runs like a turd, missing bad, and look there's a CEL. The key trick shows 27, injector not firing. Looked at each of them and found a loose connector under the cable bracket. The little wire clip is not grabbing the tooth on the side of the injector for some reason, like it has rubbed smooth or something. I finally got it to grab by pulling the corner of the clip from its socket and bending the wire down, but I need to get a real fix in place.
Started it again and it purrs nice. Drove to the store for some milk and sugar, found a puddle of coolant where I'd parked. Because I forgot to put the top hose clamp back on the water outlet. Fixed that with my vice grips and back home for dinner. Valve cover is not leaking.
Seems to have quieted things down dramatically. I suspect I had some chirping from the valve cover leak, and also some whistling from the IAC housing gasket. Little bit of progress every time.
That was my Jeep day.
I started working front to rear and by the time I got to the back I could not get the rear three bolts to go back in straight very easily, and somehow cross-threaded the one at the very back. The very very back, the one you can't see that's hidden under the ground stud. Somehow I managed to clean it up with a tap by chasing the threads a little. Wow that could have really sucked--have to drop the engine to fix a cross-threaded valve cover job. Lesson relearned: always start your valve cover bolts at the back, its a lot easier to adjust the front bolts when you run out of play.
Anyway while I had things apart I also cleaned the throttle body and the IAC chamber. I've seen a lot of people complaining about noise coming from the IAC housing so I found a Torx security bit and pulled it apart. The stock housing gasket was cracked, so I used some black RTV to make a new seal and put it back together.
Then the TPS broke in half. I dug the extra out of my spares bag (under the back seat next to the jack) and that fixed that.
Put the throttle body back on again, and started the engine for a test. Jeep runs like a turd, missing bad, and look there's a CEL. The key trick shows 27, injector not firing. Looked at each of them and found a loose connector under the cable bracket. The little wire clip is not grabbing the tooth on the side of the injector for some reason, like it has rubbed smooth or something. I finally got it to grab by pulling the corner of the clip from its socket and bending the wire down, but I need to get a real fix in place.
Started it again and it purrs nice. Drove to the store for some milk and sugar, found a puddle of coolant where I'd parked. Because I forgot to put the top hose clamp back on the water outlet. Fixed that with my vice grips and back home for dinner. Valve cover is not leaking.
Seems to have quieted things down dramatically. I suspect I had some chirping from the valve cover leak, and also some whistling from the IAC housing gasket. Little bit of progress every time.
That was my Jeep day.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 2
From: Ross Vegas, Ga
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 w/ tupy head
Had a valve cover leak eating at me, some nice weather today and nothing else on my plate so I jumped on it this morning. Got it all apart pretty easily. Its a 99 engine, so it is the rubber-coated metal gasket with the little crossmembers. Everything cleaned up real nice, and felt good about reusing the OEM gasket again. I coated both sides with Copper spray-on and started reassembly.
I started working front to rear and by the time I got to the back I could not get the rear three bolts to go back in straight very easily, and somehow cross-threaded the one at the very back. The very very back, the one you can't see that's hidden under the ground stud. Somehow I managed to clean it up with a tap by chasing the threads a little. Wow that could have really sucked--have to drop the engine to fix a cross-threaded valve cover job. Lesson relearned: always start your valve cover bolts at the back, its a lot easier to adjust the front bolts when you run out of play.
Anyway while I had things apart I also cleaned the throttle body and the IAC chamber. I've seen a lot of people complaining about noise coming from the IAC housing so I found a Torx security bit and pulled it apart. The stock housing gasket was cracked, so I used some black RTV to make a new seal and put it back together.
Then the TPS broke in half. I dug the extra out of my spares bag (under the back seat next to the jack) and that fixed that.
Put the throttle body back on again, and started the engine for a test. Jeep runs like a turd, missing bad, and look there's a CEL. The key trick shows 27, injector not firing. Looked at each of them and found a loose connector under the cable bracket. The little wire clip is not grabbing the tooth on the side of the injector for some reason, like it has rubbed smooth or something. I finally got it to grab by pulling the corner of the clip from its socket and bending the wire down, but I need to get a real fix in place.
Started it again and it purrs nice. Drove to the store for some milk and sugar, found a puddle of coolant where I'd parked. Because I forgot to put the top hose clamp back on the water outlet. Fixed that with my vice grips and back home for dinner. Valve cover is not leaking.
Seems to have quieted things down dramatically. I suspect I had some chirping from the valve cover leak, and also some whistling from the IAC housing gasket. Little bit of progress every time.
That was my Jeep day.
I started working front to rear and by the time I got to the back I could not get the rear three bolts to go back in straight very easily, and somehow cross-threaded the one at the very back. The very very back, the one you can't see that's hidden under the ground stud. Somehow I managed to clean it up with a tap by chasing the threads a little. Wow that could have really sucked--have to drop the engine to fix a cross-threaded valve cover job. Lesson relearned: always start your valve cover bolts at the back, its a lot easier to adjust the front bolts when you run out of play.
Anyway while I had things apart I also cleaned the throttle body and the IAC chamber. I've seen a lot of people complaining about noise coming from the IAC housing so I found a Torx security bit and pulled it apart. The stock housing gasket was cracked, so I used some black RTV to make a new seal and put it back together.
Then the TPS broke in half. I dug the extra out of my spares bag (under the back seat next to the jack) and that fixed that.
Put the throttle body back on again, and started the engine for a test. Jeep runs like a turd, missing bad, and look there's a CEL. The key trick shows 27, injector not firing. Looked at each of them and found a loose connector under the cable bracket. The little wire clip is not grabbing the tooth on the side of the injector for some reason, like it has rubbed smooth or something. I finally got it to grab by pulling the corner of the clip from its socket and bending the wire down, but I need to get a real fix in place.
Started it again and it purrs nice. Drove to the store for some milk and sugar, found a puddle of coolant where I'd parked. Because I forgot to put the top hose clamp back on the water outlet. Fixed that with my vice grips and back home for dinner. Valve cover is not leaking.
Seems to have quieted things down dramatically. I suspect I had some chirping from the valve cover leak, and also some whistling from the IAC housing gasket. Little bit of progress every time.
That was my Jeep day.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 805
From: Blunt, South Dakota
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
I am not running a bored TB, but I would say it runs slightly lean, I have seen a slight loss in MPG's, but not near as much as I thought. Last tank I was getting 15 mpg, before the swap I was averaging 16.5...I want to run a few more tanks, and average it out before I can give a more solid answer, but I'm really happy so far. Chasing a random misfire right now. Checked the plugs/wires already, reset the code, waited for it to come back, and this morning it did. Injectors are next on the list. Going to clean them, and check the harness, make sure there's proper voltage and no intermittents, reset again. If it comes back, I'll start looking for vacuum leaks. Ah, the joys of troubleshooting...
Last edited by Rogue4x4; Mar 31, 2015 at 10:49 PM.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I am not running a bored TB, but I would say it runs slightly lean, I have seen a slight loss in MPG's, but not near as much as I thought. Last tank I was getting 15 mpg, before the swap I was averaging 16.5...I want to run a few more tanks, and average it out before I can give a more solid answer, but I'm really happy so far.
As for the mileage, it will probably return to previous levels or higheer once the novelty of more power wears off.
welcome to my world.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 805
From: Blunt, South Dakota
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
The size of the throttle body will have nothing to do with how rich or lean it runs. The sensors will compensate for whatever amount of air is coming in.
As for the mileage, it will probably return to previous levels or higheer once the novelty of more power wears off.
welcome to my world.
As for the mileage, it will probably return to previous levels or higheer once the novelty of more power wears off.
welcome to my world.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo NY
Year: 2000 shell
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1998 4.0l I6
" my brother in law tried hooking up a radio in my 2000 cherokee classic and now I have no power to my gauges. Can someone point me in the right direction"
Now for your answer, undo everything he did and start over. Do reasearch on google, watch some youtube videos, I believe I saw a thread on here about Installing a head unit a couple of times as well. And pray he didnt cut any of the wrong wires like the ones that go to the cluster because then your sol unless you know where each half of the wire/wires he cut is. If you dont your gonna have to take it to a shop to be rewired unless you have endless time to tear the dash apart un wrap the harnesses tied to the cluster and radio and trace each individual wire and mark and label until you find the mistake. Then re wrap each respective harness to protect those wires again and finally start installing your new head unit.... good luck jerry
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Iroquois Ontario Canada
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I drove it a lot more than I intended today, and didn't actually get anything done to it like I planned
On a good note I managed to find a job today
It doesn't pay a whole lot more than minimum wage to start, and it is only till October, but it is a lot better than no wages and no job
It doesn't start till the middle of April so I have time to tie up the loose ends, u-joints, shackle relocation, and front coil spacers, before I start the job. Then I can start saving up for that SYE, rims, and 31s, or even 33s
On a good note I managed to find a job today
It doesn't pay a whole lot more than minimum wage to start, and it is only till October, but it is a lot better than no wages and no job It doesn't start till the middle of April so I have time to tie up the loose ends, u-joints, shackle relocation, and front coil spacers, before I start the job. Then I can start saving up for that SYE, rims, and 31s, or even 33s
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I drove it a lot more than I intended today, and didn't actually get anything done to it like I planned
On a good note I managed to find a job today It doesn't pay a whole lot more than minimum wage to start, and it is only till October, but it is a lot better than no wages and no job It doesn't start till the middle of April so I have time to tie up the loose ends, u-joints, shackle relocation, and front coil spacers, before I start the job. Then I can start saving up for that SYE, rims, and 31s, or even 33s
On a good note I managed to find a job today
It doesn't pay a whole lot more than minimum wage to start, and it is only till October, but it is a lot better than no wages and no job It doesn't start till the middle of April so I have time to tie up the loose ends, u-joints, shackle relocation, and front coil spacers, before I start the job. Then I can start saving up for that SYE, rims, and 31s, or even 33sGood luck with the new job... I'll keep my fingers crossed that it might lead you to something permanent.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Let me try to translate to english
" my brother in law tried hooking up a radio in my 2000 cherokee classic and now I have no power to my gauges. Can someone point me in the right direction"
Now for your answer, undo everything he did and start over. Do reasearch on google, watch some youtube videos, I believe I saw a thread on here about Installing a head unit a couple of times as well. And pray he didnt cut any of the wrong wires like the ones that go to the cluster because then your sol unless you know where each half of the wire/wires he cut is. If you dont your gonna have to take it to a shop to be rewired unless you have endless time to tear the dash apart un wrap the harnesses tied to the cluster and radio and trace each individual wire and mark and label until you find the mistake. Then re wrap each respective harness to protect those wires again and finally start installing your new head unit.... good luck jerry
" my brother in law tried hooking up a radio in my 2000 cherokee classic and now I have no power to my gauges. Can someone point me in the right direction"
Now for your answer, undo everything he did and start over. Do reasearch on google, watch some youtube videos, I believe I saw a thread on here about Installing a head unit a couple of times as well. And pray he didnt cut any of the wrong wires like the ones that go to the cluster because then your sol unless you know where each half of the wire/wires he cut is. If you dont your gonna have to take it to a shop to be rewired unless you have endless time to tear the dash apart un wrap the harnesses tied to the cluster and radio and trace each individual wire and mark and label until you find the mistake. Then re wrap each respective harness to protect those wires again and finally start installing your new head unit.... good luck jerry
http://snowboard247.blogspot.com/200...ring-info.html
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0, 60mm TB, 784's
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 989
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville,FL
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Iroquois Ontario Canada
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Well darn, I went to get started on the front axle u-joints today and found out that I don't have the proper tools. Then to make things worse my normal source for tools I don't have, aka my brother, didn't have them either
Now I have to go buy the tools I need tomorrow and wait till Friday to do the u joints in the front axles. Oh well it gives all the fasteners another day or two of being hit with penetrating oil.
Now I have to go buy the tools I need tomorrow and wait till Friday to do the u joints in the front axles. Oh well it gives all the fasteners another day or two of being hit with penetrating oil.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,219
Likes: 45
From: west chester, pa
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Well darn, I went to get started on the front axle u-joints today and found out that I don't have the proper tools. Then to make things worse my normal source for tools I don't have, aka my brother, didn't have them either Now I have to go buy the tools I need tomorrow and wait till Friday to do the u joints in the front axles. Oh well it gives all the fasteners another day or two of being hit with penetrating oil.
Now I have to go buy the tools I need tomorrow and wait till Friday to do the u joints in the front axles. Oh well it gives all the fasteners another day or two of being hit with penetrating oil.