Jeep XJ problems...
 

I have an 87 Cherokee 4 door 4x4:

414k+ miles, cammed, intake, exhaust, who knows what else done to the engine/trans besides rebuilds (haven't read all of the paperwork for it - there's a huge stack starting with the original window sticker).

I have two big issues with it (besides body welds breaking... LOL). The primary one is as I am driving along it will seemingly flood and die - the engine just shuts off, and will not start again for a very very long time. I am only guessing this is flooding! It could be a spark issue for all I know.

The second issue is that the key no longer turns past "RUN/ACC" - I can't get it to the last turn that finally engages the starter.

Thoughts? Maybe one of you may have heard of similar issues/resolutions?

Is it carb or FI? Have you checked the fuel pressure after it shuts off? I had that issue on my old 1988 Mustang when the fuel pump was going bad. It would just shut off periodically and I would have to wait for a while (30-90 minutes) before it would fire again.


On your ignition cylinder issue, it sounds like something broke inside of it. I would just buy a new one as they are only about $20 for your Jeep.

It is an FI 4.0l I6. I don't have a fuel pressure gauge to hook up to the fuel rail so I can't really check the pressure #, but it seemed like the system was pressurized (I really should get a gauge and check).

Do you happen to have contact info for a few places around SoCal that may have it or other parts? I'm pretty new to the 4x4 scene...

You can pick one up at Autozone.

The 4.0L in those years had a huge issue with stalling and crank no start.
The crank sensor was normally the problem. I believe that they even had
a kit to rewire the crank sensor to the computer by drilling a hole through
the firewall.

Thanks! Any local off-road shops or better yet forums where I can ask for more info on this?

Just keep asking Throttle Crazy. He is an ASE certified Master Tech with 17 years of experience.