I have a 98 XJ 4.0L which is getting increasingly hard to start when the engine is cold (cold by Texas standards anyway). I have purchased a new fuel pump after reading quite a few threads regarding my hard-to-start situation. However I have two questions:

1. do I have to drop the tank to switch out the fuel filter?? I have seen instructions that say I do, and other that say I don't. I understand dropping the tank can risk breaking bolts that are welded to the body.

2. what the deal with the fuel filter?? Three auto parts stores that I have been to have told me that there isn't a "serviceable fuel filter" on the 98 Cherokee. That seems wrong to me, and I don't want to get under there to replace the fuel pump without replacing the filter too.

Thanks in advance for any replies and/or help with this issue.

 

*If you purchased a fuel pump "assembly", (which is what I recommend you replace) it has the filter with it. The "assembly" has every component.

*I recommend using a Bosch or Carter assembly. I do not recommend nor will I install an Airtex fuel pump assembly, or anything from ebay without a brand name on it.

*Yes, the gas tank MUST come down to replace the fuel pump assembly on a 98. It isn't a particularly difficult procedure. There is no other way.

 

Just support your tank as you unscrew the nuts on your L-Bolts. Then remove the tubes running from your filler neck into your tank. I think there's two evap lines/hoses you will need to disconnect as well. They will be small in diameter, topside of your tank at the front, facing your rear diff. Then remove your tank straps simply by turning them inward and pulling them out. Look at where the straps connect first, it will give you a better idea of how to turn them. After everything is taken apart, lower the tank. It helps when you've got a 1/4 tank of gas or less.

You may need a type of "fuel pump wrench", or a very large set of adjustable pliers to unscrew/tighten your fuel pump assembly.

 

hello there... I just did this today I have a '98 and no fuel pressure hold/hard start, you will need 2 new J-bolts 'cause they WILL break (although you are in Texas, may be safe) http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet...AS-TANK/Detail
I recommend driving around until your gas light comes on so you have little gas to deal with... if the nuts on the J-bolts do move and don't twist the bolt off, you'll want to run the nut down the end, letting tank drop just a bit.
now if you can get to the hose clamps at the tank disconnect filler/vent there, then disconnect the electrical plug, and fuel lines, one is just rubber tube pull apart the other has a white clip you squeeze and pull the black line off...
from there you should be able to figure it out, nothing crazy difficult... then reverse procedure...

 

Just did it a few months back myself on my 97. You can just replace the pump itself without replacing the entire assembly. Thats your choice. As far as your filter question there is no inline external filter like you find on most vehicles. Only filter on there is a screen on the pick-up port of the pump. It simply snaps onto the bottom of the pump body. The screen is a seperate part from the pump so make sure you purchase that as well.

 

Made an access opening in my cargo bay to change my pump. I didn't have a pump hard failure, just low pressure, so I had time to make the access opening. Fabricated a close-out panel for the opening. Installed a Carter pump. Worked fine. Where there's a will, there's a way.

 

I will drive it around today to empty the tank and start working on it tomorrow. I do have the entire assembly so I should have all I need. cCKEN, I like the trap drop idea you had!

 

When did Jeep do away with the in-line fuel filter? I replaced both my pump and filter about 6/7 months ago. Big 'ol soda can size filter. But I have a 94.

 

Is thaton a 97 to 2001 ? I eant to do that

 

Yes, that's applicable to '97 to '01.

 

any writeup? I can't find any

 

Not yet. Still working on it.

It's a bit tricky. I lucked out and didn't damage the gas tank so I will give dimensions, layout, etc., for cutting the hole so others won't need to worry (if done as directed).

 

Nice thanks

 

just saying good luck with those vent tubes... they ruined my life trying to take them off haha did it though flat heads and grease are your best friend

 

Couldn't tell you exactly. Mine is a 97 and it's the only one I've ever owned. I do believe it was made in 97 when they changed everything else on these things.