Topic: 4 screwy squirrels

[oldjeep]

I havn't started digging into my engine problems yet, but they don't make a whole lot of sense.

1) Engine is missfiring and burning a lot of oil
2) Still has no problem doing 70 mph on the highway
3) missfire was not evident at any rpm in low range during offroading
4) On highway missfire occurred most often in 3rd gear around 3000 RPM (60 mph or so)
5) Oil pressure and engine temp were fine the whole time

It did start turning on the CEL, so I'll have to check that code - wouldn't suprise me if it's just the O2 sensor complaining about all the oil.

So how the heck does an underpowered 4 banger continue to push a jeep down the highway at 70 for 90 miles with 4.10 gears and 35" tires with all this going on?

[jagular7]

Check the distributor for play. I had mine running, pulling a tear drop camper up to Camp Jeep in WI 2 yrs ago. It started to buck, hesistate on the highway at 70/3500, so I slowed it down to 65/3200 and it was fine. Got to a gas station. I wouldn't start after filling up. Distro rotor had lots of sway to it. New distributor and it started right up and hasn't been a problem since. Also check your ignition system - coil, wires, cap/rotor.

[aw12345]

have you entertained the idea of a flat cam or a colapsing lifter. Would pretty much explain the symptoms.
If a leak test shows the rings and valves to be good that would be where I would start looking. Leaktesters are cheap at harbor freight.

[oldjeep]

have you entertained the idea of a flat cam or a colapsing lifter. Would pretty much explain the symptoms.
If a leak test shows the rings and valves to be good that would be where I would start looking. Leaktesters are cheap at harbor freight.

I've always had a lifter rattle on one lifter, replaced that lifter and it continued.  So I assume that lobe is flattened somewhat.  Also pretty sure that I've got a bit of blow-by just judging from the oil that has always come out the CCV.   One of the things that I need to look at is if the CCV was pumping oil into the TB tube.

Whatever it is, the engine is most likely going to need replacement at some point.  I've got to decide if it's time for an upgrade or if I should take the easy way out and pick up a 70K mile TJ 2.5 that is for sale locally.

[aw12345]

Well a leak down test of all 4 cylinders will tell you where its at mechanically. A leak down tester is pretty cheap and as long as you do not get more than 10%leak in any cylinder then the pistons. rings and valves are sound.
I think I have seen those testers for 20 bucks or less at harvor freight, I am pretty sure you have a compressor.
It will tell you if the oil coming out is related to a faulty cranckase ventilation or if the engine is shot

[oldjeep]

Well a leak down test of all 4 cylinders will tell you where its at mechanically. A leak down tester is pretty cheap and as long as you do not get more than 10%leak in any cylinder then the pistons. rings and valves are sound.
I think I have seen those testers for 20 bucks or less at harvor freight, I am pretty sure you have a compressor.
It will tell you if the oil coming out is related to a faulty cranckase ventilation or if the engine is shot

I'll have to pick one up.  I've got a compresssor and pass by Harbor Freight every day

[oldjeep]

THink I found the problems, although I'll still be doing a leakdown test.

Apparently I never replaced or looked at any of the ignition stuff after I bought it.

1) Plugs  .075 gap and it's still running.  Never seen plugs that worn.
2) Rotor and cap in similiar condition
3) ccv line full of oil, air tube to throttle body had oil in it and the TB had oil sitting on top the butterfly.

Soo, looks like a basic tuneup and some sort of catch can for the crank vent might take care of the problems

[aw12345]

Chevy V8's used to have a problem of spweing oil in the airfilter housing what worked for me was a cranckase breather from a Dodge 360 modified to fit in the chevy valve cover got rid of most of the oil spewing.

[oldjeep]

Todays lesson is bring the old parts to the store when looking for cap and rotor.  They list 4 different rotors and 3 caps for the 94 2.5L and none of the rotors were the right ones.  Turns out that the rotor listed for a 93 is what I needed.   Not sure if this is just a case of jeep using up whatever was laying around or if the distributor got swapped at some point.

[oldjeep]

Pulled the tranny to replace the leaking TC seal and got it back in last night.  Getting pretty good at the tranny service 2.5 hours total, it really helps that the lines are long so they don't need to be disconnected to drop it on the ground.

When I was putting it back together I noticed that the downpipe had no evidence of oil burn on the inside, so I started looking for another source of the whitism smoke.
Turned out that the smoke was from all the tranny fluid that was blowing back hitting the exhaust which is why it only smoked on the highway and not the trail.

[neale_rs]

It's great when things turn out better than expected.   

[aw12345]

Way to go, time for more snowy trails