NewfieMJ

I love jeeps , and sometimes , I hate 'em . Head gasket is fine AFIK . Turns out the YJ has a standard rotaion water pump vs the reverse rotaion water pump on the MJ . I got all the gaskets and stuff to do the head , and ordered a new water pump just because . When I got home I started to pull things off . First off the original engine IE : water pump . Then tore the MJ back down to access the water pump to confirm rotaions . They were opposite :eek: . I didn't know there were different rotation options available on these engines . Well , it sure fits the problems I'm having and should fix things up nicely . Lesson learned . Thanks for the suggestions . :waving: I'll post back tomorrow when the pump is on . I found a 2.5 4WD trans , starter and a 90 insturment cluster(guages) so I'm gonna grab that tomorrow . It's from a 4.0 but I have a seperate tach so I'll leave it on if it don't work properly in the dash .

Check the speedo connections . That 96 t-case will have a speed sensor/electric speedo , I think your MJ has a cable ?

True , but I live 40 miles from the closest source open on Sundays :( . I have confirmed the t-stat was working properly . Gonna try bleeding again I guess . Confirm the pressure build up :hmm: . Never had an issue bleeding a cooling system . I'm pretty sure the head gasket is leaking . :fs1:

I got it from a good source . Bring it back if I want . I'd rather not though . He's also willing to pony up for fix parts . No water in the oil that I can tell . But it hasn't been run more than 1 hour total and new oil . Or vice-versa . It was hard to find a replacement for it to be honest . This guy happened to have a few . This jeep was rolled at one point but only 95K (I saw the jeep before and after the engine pull) Compression is good at 130ish straight accross except the #1 is 118 (suspect ?) As for buying someone elses troubles , that comes with any jeep/part , new or used , lol .

I just finished installing a new to me 2.5 in the 88 MJ . Fires up , works great , sounds decent but maybe a hair rougher than it should be . I have installed new plugs/cap/rotor/filters/oil and bought a new rad to boot . I filled the rad , and began to bleed to cooling system . Seems I have it circulating to a min point where I get just a hint of heat inside . It did get hot for me at one point , but now , barely warm air . All the hoses are getting hot with the exception to the lower rad hose . I'm building alot of pressure , enough the upper rad hose swells hard , more than normal . If I leave the rad cap off , the water will just flow out , maybe about 10-20 secs after cold starting . Only thing relevant not changed is the t-stat . I would have , I wanted to , but , no stock so I ordered one in . I'm not sure how long this engine sat . Maybe years . If the t-stat was stuck closed , would it have the same effect as I have described or would you say the head gasket is leaking into the water jackets somewhere ? I'm gonna pull the old t-stat out and try running w/o it to see if things change , but , if it doesn't , what's the best way to test the head gasket without pressurizing the combustion chamber ? (have no tool to fit compressor to plug hole) I can't tell if there are bubbles coming out , the rad just overflows . I did initially see some bubbles but figured the system was just burping since it was completely empty . Gone to pull the t-stat , any help is appreciated . This is a project toy , not a DD by any means , no 911 here :wavey: Pics here http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f53/newf ... a-1189346/

:hmm: I think I need a picture . I can't see how it can collapse :???:

Been a castrol fan for a while now . Always 5w-30 . Last summer , I switched to Castrols 0w-30 in my 5.9 Grand . It's Castrol's only 100% synthetic oil , the rest are blended . I was having just a slight tic when first starting everyday , just a second or 2 , but there . I have not heard it since . Honestly , the MPG's have gone up as well . It's a little more money again than the other synthetics , but I doubt I will buy any other type of oil . I'm not one to be impressed with any certain types of fancy oils , but , this one did impress me alot . It's also in my 5.2 Grand , my wife's Aveo , and about to go in the new to me Comanche engine .

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/1995 ... e-1188378/

^^ :rotf: Thanks Terrawombat , I'll sniff around JU and see what I can find out from the ZJ guys . I have a 98XJ with a piston skirt clunk and I was figuring I"d take the engine from the 91 to add to the 98 conversion . It's all gonna end up in my 88 MJ next winter but knowing it's compatability issues up front would be nice :) . I have both vehicles complete and running To work out some bugs , and get motivated , I just got home with a 2.5 so I can get it up and running .

Well , I said between 87-98 , I realize I wasn't perfectly clear . I also said 99 and up went distributer less , which is a whole differnent can of worms . If you could distinguish between those yrs(87-98) , that would be informative , and appreciated because I also said AFIK . I'm no 4.0 guru . A LT1 conversion would be a major mod , lol . I know 10sec's was overkill , but again , I said probably . It's certainly doable with some mods , but even just dropping it in would make it one quick little jeep . "Probably" take your 5.9 :rotf: , I know it would take mine :D , if I could keep it planted

AFIK , all 4.0's are the same . The 242ci engine didn't change from 87-98 , just the fuel injection in 91 went from TBI to MPI (renix>mopar) You would just use your original intake and sensors . In 99 , they went distributer-less ingnition . 93-98 Grand Cherokee =ZJ 99-2004 Grand Cherokee =WJ 05-2010 Grand cherokee =WK 2011=WK2 I assume you meant you have access to a 1994 ZJ Damn this thread , after reading what's available from Novak , and knowing where to get a complete 95 ImpalaSS(damaged)with only 110k for $1000 , it's so freakin' tempting to make a Comanche "SS" . Powertrain would cost me $2500+ , but would probably do the 1/4 mile in 10 secs and get 25 mpg hwy 2wd :hmm: . Not quite as pratical as the $450 85K 2.5 I was planning to get for now , plus the 2 parts vehicles I bought for a later 98 conversion next winter . Guess I could sell the 2 parts jeeps :???: :hateputers:

jeepslimited.com , free , every FSM you need , all jeeps

The crush(plastic) washer can be reused until it breaks pretty much . Fit doesn't have to be perfect around the threaded section either . As for the valve , with all due respects , I see no point in complicating such a simple process

Could need a tune-up Could be a weak coil Could be bad caps in the PCM Could be a fuel line issue(leak or kink) Could need a fuel filter Could be a weak starter motor I moved my donor a few days ago in -20C (4.0MJ), it took 4-5 secs of cranking and been parked for a week or more . The starter was slow , only for that I bet it would have caught in a sec or 2

Sounds like your sway bar is holding down the truck . I would recomend extended sway bar links . It should have no effect to ride height . The harsh ride is from the sway bar not allowing the suspension to do it's job

Thanks for the build links . I'll start reading up on them later tonite . Sorry , no spare parts will be sold

I have a few jeeps bought now . All parts to make one very nice MJ , I hope :popcorn: . The build will be an 88 MJ SWB (body is very clean)4x4 conversion and interior swap In the yard now; 1988 MJ , 2.5 , 5spd with a blown engine 1991 MJ 4.0 , ax-15 , 231 , D44(3:07) in rougher shape . Engine was rebuilt with 30k 1998 XJ 4.0/AW4/231/8.25(3:55) , excellant shape , wrist pin knock . Upper and lower adjustable arms(RE) RE HD track bar and bracket 4.5 TJ front springs and shocks Full ZJ steering incl new gear 32x11.5 AT's on 8" Eagle wheels I'm taking the engine from the 91 , then it's parked for a later build or sold . The rest comes from the XJ . I will be getting new lift spring for the rear , suggest away ..... Motor mounts , what do I have to do ? 2.5>4.0 Trans cross member , just swap from the donor ? I'm going to use the automatic Rear taillight wiring harness , splice it or can make the XJ's work ? Fuel tank , can I borrow the 91 MJ's and it work ? XJ ? What are my options here ? Can I bolt the 98 seats to MJ bucket frames ? What else do I need for this conversion , or am I all set to go minus some things I will replace anyways(wear parts) If there's anything else you'd like to point out to me , please do so . I'm new to MJ's/XJ's and all I know is I'm in for alot of work , lol , but that's ok . It's a project :brows: Thank you

Build the 91 , 88 gets stored for a future build . :dunno: No , I'm not a fan of scrapping a rare vehicle , in this case , it works to my advantage . For the 88 , the new front clip and doors will come from a 97/98 donor , also , it's not remaining a 2wd so stripping it means easy access to really gut it out and get prepped for the future build . Swapping the powertrains means complete wiring harnesses too (cept the rear harness) Having a stripped shell will certainly be just a step I would have to take anyways . My intentions are to build the 88 the right way . The 91 will get a quick build , and very used . Therefore , I have no reservations taking parts from the 88 to use on the 91 . I'm just recycling what will be replaced anyways . The box is "OK" on the 91 but will need work , a few dings and rust on one quarter , again , it can be restored for the 88 . For now , the 88's box goes on the 91 too .

I bought an 88 MJ about a month ago . Just a 2WD 4 banger , but dang , the body is really good on it . Straight and very little rust . I got it for $300 cause the 2.5 took a dump . It will roll but the bearings sound like they are binding up , lol . Even the tailgate is straight and functional . :wrench: My plans bounced around from a 350 conversion to the 4WD conversion . The latter prevailed . Yesturday I dragged home a 91 4.0 5 spd 231 D30/D44 Eliminator . The body is rougher to say the least . The cab will need new rockers , the floor seems solid though , and the rest I can bolt on from the 88 . I want to convert everything into the 88 , but I don't think I want to do all that work :nuts: . The 91 also has the A/C , further adding to the work . The engine has 50K , the clutch about 40K . Forward works great , reverse , CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK . Sounds like I need to replace the gearbox too . For now , build the 91 keep the 88 stuffed away in the back . I got pics , but not enough posts . I'll add them to my photbucket and post the link later . Has anyone built homemade sliders to replace the rockers ? The clunk in reverse , broken gear ? 3:07's and 32's , how lazy will it be w/o a regear ? I have 40 miles of hwy before the city , not a commuter vehicle , but , it will see mostly hwy , and off-road , there's always low range . Pretty sure I have more questions , but , that will be a start . I did search :typing: but if not worded exact , it's hard to get answers . :hateputers: I am a jeep guy , just a different breed . I own a 95 Orvis 5.2l ZJ on long arms , 7" . Also a 98 5.9l ZJ with alot of bolt on's , headers , perf PCM , MSD ignition etc etc . Both very nice ltd editions , but , I'd like to lift a jeep truck , thus the 2 I have sitting in the drive

You gonna run the clutch fan or go electric ? Nice work , I may go the same route being very familiar with the Grand Cherokee's :wrench: , except for the red dash and the eye lids :brows: