2.8 to 4.0 swap

[akadeutsch]

Hello there.  My name is Keith.  I work for High Octane 4x4 and muscle in Denver CO.  We buy, sell, traid, restore, and modify Jeeps and late modle muscle cars.  We recently aquired a very CLEAN 1988 MJ.  The previous owener started an engine swap to get rid of the 2.8 and bolt in a 4.0.  The new 4.0 is also an 88.  It has MPI.  The engine is already bolted up to the trans under the hood but it does not run. 

I know very little about what it willl take to complete this build.  I have built a couple of these 4.0s; most recently I stroked my WJ's tired old 4.0 to a 4.6.  I am capable of turning the wrenches, I just don't even know where to start. 

Here is what I know.  We do have 39 psi on the fuel rail, after I flip the toggle switch under the dash to engage the fuel pump....Thats the way it came.  It does turn over.  And the previous owner said that he had it running at one time.

Where should I start?  I know it will need fue,l spark and compression to fire.  So, I think my next step shoulld be to check for spark.  How do I index the distributor so that I can do that.  The engine is already at #1 TDC compression.

[Alexia]

Heya, akadeutsch! I recognize you from the Jeep Strokers forum. :D

 

Odd that the 1988 had the V6 2.8L as it should have had a 2.5L or 4.0L to start with. Was the harness returned to a complete non-HO 4.0L harness for that year?

[Eagle]

The 4.0L was introduced in the 1987 model year, and NO 2.8L V6s were used after 1986. Something about the story behind this vehicle doesn't add up.

[akadeutsch]

Yeah.  I was relying on what the old owner told me.  I guess it must have been the 2.5.  It came with a new harness that is at least half way installed.  I guess I have some more reading to do.  Ill look around a bit and then try to ask some intelligent questions.  Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.