buckwheat Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 I have an 87 MJ with the 4.0 engine. It has been leaking oil from the valve cover and airbox. I read a few threads where people had put on a new valve cover with the felpro gasket to cure both these problems. I looked in the local junkyards, but couldn't find a Cherokee that would work. So I ordered : Dorman OE Solutions - Valve Cover Part # 264-983 Link: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOE0/264983/02395.oap?year=1997&make=Jeep&model=Cherokee&vi=1180370&ck=Search_valve+cover_1180370_201&keyword=valve+cover I thought it should work since it replaces 97 Cherokee valve covers. However, after looking at everything I am not sure anymore. The depth will be tight on the rockers, and the nuts on the head bolts are hitting the flange on the cover. So will this work? Should I try and modify the cover to make it work? Or will I be better off sending it back to Oreillys and getting my money back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddFoot Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 117.99 wow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckwheat Posted November 29, 2014 Author Share Posted November 29, 2014 117.99 wow... That was less than helpful. I need to get this thing up and running for work on Monday. Anyone have any comments on fit? Will it work or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroxsteve Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 The problem with the oil in the air box is caused by the crank case vent tube being plugged. Replace the small tube from the rear of the valve cover and that should take care of that oil. As far as the calve cover I would just put a quality gasket on the original valve cover and call it good. I have heard of the valve cover upgrade but never understood what was wrong with the original. My 88 is dry after replacing the crank case vent tube and the gasket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relyt120 Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 Ive got one in my garage if you are that desperate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 You don't need to replace the valve cover. Cut down the tubes on the underside and put on a new gasket, preferably the permadry one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddFoot Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 this x2 i was going to post more kids were fighting on above post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep726 Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 To answer your question, yes it will fit any 242/4.0L from '87 - '06.But try Cruiser54's fix and see if that alleviates your issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 Don't spend that money on that. Stupid. I know I have at least one newer one somewhere that would be a helleva lot cheaper then that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sinkrun Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I did this fix and it was well worth it I tried all the fix`s for my old one above and it still pushed oil out BAD. I ordered one off ebay from a factory 2000 4.0 from a cherokee worked great has been on for years. The newer ones have a baffle in them the whole length. You have to do some changes in the plumbing I can get a pic of mine if it will help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckwheat Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 Thanks for all the replies. I definitely have more money than sense sometimes. But the cover was already bought, so no use trying to backpedal. I was able to get it in place and the bolts all torqued down. I used an inch-pound wrench to get it to spec. While I was under the hood and waiting for some replies on fit I decided to clean my C-101 connector. I got everything situated and put back together, hopped in the drivers seat and tried to start it: bad backfire and then cranking without catching. So one problem down (the valve cover) and a new problem pops up (no start). Is there any way that I messed something up with cleaning the C-101? or could something have gone wrong while the valve cover was off? It was dark so I haven't checked much. Planning on looking at the CPS and doing the ICM and Coil Contact cleaning. Anything else that you all can think of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep726 Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 When you did the VC swap, you likely unplugged the vacuum hose going from the throttle body to the MAP sensor by accident or broke it. Check that first because the spitting/sputtering is likely being cause by that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckwheat Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Alright, I am still having issues with this. OnlyinaJeep726, thanks for reminding me about the MAP sensor. Nothing was wrong with it, but it is good to check anyways. The Problem: Truck will start, but I have to put the pedal to the floor to get it to catch, and it runs horribly. Sounds like it is missing or not timed correctly. Also it will not idle. If I take my foot completely off the gas pedal it will run slower and slower and then die. Obviously I had none of these problems before messing with the C-101 and valve cover. I have checked: The C-101 to make sure none of the metal tabs were bent or misaligned. Everything in the connector looks good now. The CPS also tests fine. I have spark (hillbilly test of holding the tip on a piece of metal and watching it spark), and while I have not tested fuel pressure at the rail, it seems like pressure is not an issue since it will run. I have also cleaned off all grounds in the engine bay. I was trying to trouble shoot in my head and figured it was the perfect time to clean up some grounds. What should I look for next? It should be said that I am a complete newbie to mechanical work. Everything I know about my Jeep I have read off this site. So thanks for the help, and sorry if I am a bit slow on the uptake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relyt120 Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 what sort of line did you use from the back of the new VC to the manifold? Make sure it is not collapsing under the vacuum pressure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Tip 25 in my link below: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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