Recent content by DaveD in Canada

Sold my (sometimes) beloved '90 XJ Limited today, my last Jeep. Over the years, it has suffered just about every malady that is common to all the other XJ's out there. Still, it has been an incredible vehicle, reliable, fun and almost bulletproof! This was my third, and last XJ, previously...

XJ's are known for noisy lifters. You can try an additive such as EOS or similar, sometimes that helps. I had to replace the lifters on my '90, its a big job but worth it in the end!

Sounds like the infamous bad TPS ground! Try splicing a new ground wire into the TPS harness at the connector, and ground it to the engine or throttle body. This fix has worked for scores of XJ'ers. Make sure you get the right wire, any other wire besides ground will really mess things up.

Before you go to a lot of work, check your PCV system. A blocked tube from the valve cover (common) will cause an increase in crankcase pressure, and force oil out. Its worth a check.

My '90 did the same thing. It was the wires in the rubber boot between the door and the door frame on the drivers door. Several wires were broken, and touching together at random. I simply ran new wires from the door to the harness inside the kick panel,and spliced them into the harness.

I had the usual TPS problems on my '90 XJ several years ago. After much searching with a digital multimeter, I found the TPS ground was actually above 1 volt. Cleaning connectors, etc didn't help. I finally spliced a short piece of wire to the ground wire in theTPS harness, close to the...

If all else fails, you may have to remove the pan to get the plug out. Then you can get an oversize, self-threading plug to replace it. You shouldn't need to replace the whole pan.

Could be a flakey TPS.

Check for a broken motor mount.

Have another look at the flex plate, check carefully for a crack. I saw a post where it was suggested the noise from a cracked flex plate diminishes under load. If its not that, perhaps invest in one of those inexpensive automotive stethoscopes, its a great tool for pinpointing noises! How is...

Yes, you really should worry about the refridgerant, if its R-12. Don't need any more holes in the ozone layer. Many shops will pump it out for you for free if they can keep it.

Low gas mileage can also be a result of a cold engine. Have you checked the thermostat, making sure the engine is reaching normal running temperature?

A used engine is a bit of a crap shoot at best. It may be only marginally better than what you already have. A reman engine is probably a good bet, but what about just having a local machine shop rebuild your original engine, which should be as good or better than a reman? At least you know...

Its trash anyhow, so drill into it and use an easy-out to extract it. I usually put a bit of teflon tape on the threads, helps it go in easier and guards against leaks. It doesn't have to be all that tight.

Likely a bad wheel sensor. Check for damaged wires, especially to the front wheels. Then follow the wire back to the connector, take it apart and clean it. If that fails, the dealer has a tester that will tell which wheel is bad, for about one hour's labor. Probably worth it.