What did you do to your Cherokee today?
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Posts: 2,097
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Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Belleview, FL
Posts: 314
Received 148 Likes
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93 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
FINALLY got her running again. In my desperation to find TDC over the last couple of days I neglected to either see and/or follow one VERY IMPORTANT piece of the puzzle when finding it...
Take the serpentine belt OFF when looking for the TDC notch on the HB. I searched for days for it and I was close a couple of times but never found the notch. It was buried under 20 years of road grime and oil from my slightly leaking crankshaft seal. Once I took it off and used my hands to feel for it, I cleaned it off, lined up the dizzy and it fired on the first attempt. Worth noting that I also replaced the CPS, and ground down all critical ground points under the hood so that I was making contact with bare metal.
Strangely enough, the ticking that I assumed was the ancient manifold gasket is gone now so it must have been related to incorrect timing. Anyways, no CEL and I just got back from a road test. Plenty of power, and it feels like I'm getting great spark. Idles more evenly.
Next project is replacing the timing chain and sprockets along with the HB but that can wait for a month or so.
Take the serpentine belt OFF when looking for the TDC notch on the HB. I searched for days for it and I was close a couple of times but never found the notch. It was buried under 20 years of road grime and oil from my slightly leaking crankshaft seal. Once I took it off and used my hands to feel for it, I cleaned it off, lined up the dizzy and it fired on the first attempt. Worth noting that I also replaced the CPS, and ground down all critical ground points under the hood so that I was making contact with bare metal.
Strangely enough, the ticking that I assumed was the ancient manifold gasket is gone now so it must have been related to incorrect timing. Anyways, no CEL and I just got back from a road test. Plenty of power, and it feels like I'm getting great spark. Idles more evenly.
Next project is replacing the timing chain and sprockets along with the HB but that can wait for a month or so.
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Posts: 43
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L 6IL
I managed to open the rear hatch and turns out the adjustment rod is fine, the actual handle broke where the cam pushes on the actuator, so it won't work no matter what. Considering some fix until I can come bu the USA to pickup a new handle to replace. :-(
It is possible I can drill into the cam part left and insert a screw with a large head that can act as a cam. Looking for a better handle but none found so far.
It is possible I can drill into the cam part left and insert a screw with a large head that can act as a cam. Looking for a better handle but none found so far.
1997 Jeep Cherokee limited edition blowing cold air
I had a radiator flush new thermostat heater core checks actuator put in still no heat although it does blow cold air but no heat also in my Jeep I can hear like a knock and the inside of the vents I guesswhen I turn it on and before or if I try to switch to heat my AC wants to come on could anybody tell me what this problem is thanks
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Belleview, FL
Posts: 314
Received 148 Likes
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93 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hi Carmela, and welcome to the forum. Please fill out your profile so we know what year XJ you're working with and we'll be able to help you.
From what it sounds like, the blend door may need some attention and I suspect that is the sound your are hearing when you are switching from heat to cold, etc. I'm sure someone with some expertise will chime in and tell you to start a new thread somewhere more appropriate.
From what it sounds like, the blend door may need some attention and I suspect that is the sound your are hearing when you are switching from heat to cold, etc. I'm sure someone with some expertise will chime in and tell you to start a new thread somewhere more appropriate.
THE Admin
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes
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187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
I managed to open the rear hatch and turns out the adjustment rod is fine, the actual handle broke where the cam pushes on the actuator, so it won't work no matter what. Considering some fix until I can come bu the USA to pickup a new handle to replace. :-(
It is possible I can drill into the cam part left and insert a screw with a large head that can act as a cam. Looking for a better handle but none found so far.
It is possible I can drill into the cam part left and insert a screw with a large head that can act as a cam. Looking for a better handle but none found so far.
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Hunt County Texas
Posts: 1,096
Received 164 Likes
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139 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Pulled most of the accessories and the harmonic balancer off the Jeep and replaced the timing cover gasket like I should have done when I pulled it apart to replace the timing cover seal lol.
That should be the last leak on the Jeep. When I pulled the cover off half the old gasket was just gone completely MIA.
That should be the last leak on the Jeep. When I pulled the cover off half the old gasket was just gone completely MIA.
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Idaho
Posts: 304
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Year: 1990
Engine: Renix 4.0
Moved the front axle forward 1"
Set the pinion angle.
Also installed some beefy ZJ steering.
Got it totally dialed as well!
Then I snapped a bolt mounting my brake caliper at 31 ft-lbs and punched myself in the face. My manual says 33 ft-lbs, but this bruise is telling me it's less than that.
Set the pinion angle.
Also installed some beefy ZJ steering.
Got it totally dialed as well!
Then I snapped a bolt mounting my brake caliper at 31 ft-lbs and punched myself in the face. My manual says 33 ft-lbs, but this bruise is telling me it's less than that.
Last edited by craigjacob1; 10-31-2018 at 10:46 PM.
THE Admin
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Got some goodies in the mail.
THE Admin
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes
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187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Hunt County Texas
Posts: 1,096
Received 164 Likes
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139 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Senior Member
Took advantage of the good weather today to give the Jeep its fall Fluid Film treatment in preparation for winter. One of the things I really like on the XJ that even stock it sits high enough that I don't have to jack it up to do this.