Posted by Agent Skelly Update: Did emissions again; my HC level only dropped 50. I had my father help me out today with testing out more stuff. We are pretty sure its an fuel system problem; we think the valves are not closing so its pushing the engine rich all the time. We are going to remove and check the valves tomorrow. Also, my MPG on the first fillup was 11.2; which is low for XJ of any vintage.

IAC Check that.

Posted by jeepdave IAC Check that.

We didn't get around to that today, but will check it tomorrow. We did find out the fuel regulator was not doing its job, so we replaced that along with cleaning out the fuel injectors, which now the car idles better; its at the lower range of proper idle now. There's a occasional misfire going on the #3 spark plug at idle.

Posted by Agent Skelly We didn't get around to that today, but will check it tomorrow. We did find out the fuel regulator was not doing its job, so we replaced that along with cleaning out the fuel injectors, which now the car idles better; its at the lower range of proper idle now. There's a occasional misfire going on the #3 spark plug at idle.

Guessin ya made sure the cap and wires are fine, Check the distributer and make sure its not worn out. Rare but can cause a misfire that will cause you to go insane trying to track. Ask me how I know.

Posted by jeepdave Guessin ya made sure the cap and wires are fine, Check the distributer and make sure its not worn out. Rare but can cause a misfire that will cause you to go insane trying to track. Ask me how I know.

Yeah, we replaced all that with brand new stuff.

Though...its interesting...I've been reading through CherokeeFourms and the consensus is that I should be using Champion plugs; I have NGKs in there right now and it sounds like there is issues with using anything else. I wonder if that might be the case here too with the misfiring.

Posted by Agent Skelly Yeah, we replaced all that with brand new stuff. Though...its interesting...I've been reading through CherokeeFourms and the consensus is that I should be using Champion plugs; I have NGKs in there right now and it sounds like there is issues with using anything else. I wonder if that might be the case here too with the misfiring.

LOL, while I'm sure it may matter, my Cherokee is running no less than 3 different brands of plugs at the moment, and purring like a kitten




Edit: But I don't have emissons testing to deal with, so that may be where it matters.

Posted by Agent Skelly Yeah, we replaced all that with brand new stuff. Though...its interesting...I've been reading through CherokeeFourms and the consensus is that I should be using Champion plugs; I have NGKs in there right now and it sounds like there is issues with using anything else. I wonder if that might be the case here too with the misfiring.

Champions? I'm surprised anyone would recommend those, I wouldn't put them in my lawnmower. Our local Dodge dealer actually removed Champions from their vehicles during PDIs they've had so many problems.

Posted by bandi Champions? I'm surprised anyone would recommend those, I wouldn't put them in my lawnmower. Our local Dodge dealer actually removed Champions from their vehicles during PDIs they've had so many problems.

Yeah...I dunno. Spark plugs I always thought were one of the strong preferences of most car guys and gals so I was surprised to hear a strong vocal USE CHAMPION opinion from all XJ guys.

Another update:

We replaced the fuel regulator and it seemed that the engine ran a bit better at idle. My father suggested we just unplug one of the power plugs to one of the injectors to guarentee it would be pass as it would cut back on whatever unburned fuel is being sent down the exhaust. At least I would have a cerificate and I would be able to have another 2 years to fix the idle problem.

So I took it down to the Oregon DEQ testing center and well, it lowered the HC to 1500 on the first idle test, then we got to 739 on the second idle test.

When I got home, we checked the IAC, TPS and even the Crankshaft sensor, all are fine.

Any other ideas before i just get a new cat? This is at this point is driving me nuts.

Posted by Agent Skelly Another update: We replaced the fuel regulator and it seemed that the engine ran a bit better at idle. My father suggested we just unplug one of the power plugs to one of the injectors to guarentee it would be pass as it would cut back on whatever unburned fuel is being sent down the exhaust. At least I would have a cerificate and I would be able to have another 2 years to fix the idle problem. So I took it down to the Oregon DEQ testing center and well, it lowered the HC to 1500 on the first idle test, then we got to 739 on the second idle test. When I got home, we checked the IAC, TPS and even the Crankshaft sensor, all are fine. Any other ideas before i just get a new cat? This is at this point is driving me nuts.

I'll assume u checked the air filter. Coil? If its weak you won't get a strong spark. Otherwise the cat. I pulled mine off (we get away with shit here) and that solved 90% of my problems in 2 days. Mine only had 130,000 when its cat died.

How's your coolant temp sensor? If it's not working, the car will be in cold start mode, and overfueling.

Posted by bandi How's your coolant temp sensor? If it's not working, the car will be in cold start mode, and overfueling.

CTS is checking out fine; right at where it should be at 700 ohms at 210F per FSM.

Posted by jeepdave I'll assume u checked the air filter. Coil? If its weak you won't get a strong spark. Otherwise the cat. I pulled mine off (we get away with shit here) and that solved 90% of my problems in 2 days. Mine only had 130,000 when its cat died.

Air filter was replaced once I bought it. Coil checks out fine.

Yeah, I see O'Reilly Auto parts has a universal cat in stock for 79.00. I might do that.

I started a full thread on CherokeeForums there to get some more input before I take the plunge.

Posted by Agent Skelly CTS is checking out fine; right at where it should be at 700 ohms at 210F per FSM.

Is the the CTS for the gauge or the ECM though?

Posted by bandi Is the the CTS for the gauge or the ECM though?

ECM.

Whats ya SN on Cherokeefourm Skelly?

Couldn't find ya post.

Posted by jeepdave Whats ya SN on Cherokeefourm Skelly? Couldn't find ya post.

KE7JFF...my ham callsign.

Well, my father removed the muffler and cat today. Guess what? THE CAT WAS EMPTY!

Next question. Is the muffler clogged?

Posted by jeepdave Next question. Is the muffler clogged?

Nope; Muffler is fine...my father rigged up some device to test flow and it was working fine.

Will be picking up my new cat in a little bit as it turns out the O'Reilly store was able to locate an exact fit unit for me for 10.00 more than the universal one and will have here shortly.

However, I will be reporting the idiot that sold it to me to Oregon DEQ for selling a vehicle without a functioning cat which is aganist state law and even federal law AND I found out the guy and his room mates also are car flippers so he may be doing this to other people. I might even get some money out of this!

Good news everyone!

My car passed emissions with flying colors thanks to the new cat! My HC was at 51. Also did registration today and will get my ham plates on July 22.

The misfiring on #3 is still there but its only on idle and it seems to be not as bad. I think I might let it slide until I feel like fixing it.

I do want to get the crusie control and AC working; I think I need to check the infamous Jeep egg for the cruise control.