Replaced TPS - Idle now WORSE!

Arcing plug wires is sure a huge clue. But based on your reports here, if new plug wires don't solve it, and it gets hard to start, start thinking CPS next, in case you have 2 problems, LOL.:D

Hmm, That HV arcing might have done in the alternator. But check the wiring as suggested already. Many times we create the next problem while doing repairs.

Check the battery clamps and alternator connections first, and grounds and fuses. But sure sounds like the alternator died.
 
1. Use a voltmeter and check the battery voltage--engine off--should be around 12 to 13 volts.

2. Start engine, check voltage at battery to see if the alternator is charging. Should read 13.5 to 15.0 depending on temperature and the load/charge state of the battery.

Post up what you find.
 
Alright, after cleaning off 9 inches of snow, I threw a multimeter on the battery. 12v. Atarted the XJ up, still 12v. So I'm assuming the alt is dead. My buddy Jay is bringing me a JY one to swap Friday. Should be the final piece in this 9 week long puzzle!!
 
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Got the new to me alternator in without much of a problem. I can't figure out how to get the serpentine belt around it. Haynes manual said to loosen bolts behind the power steering pump, but I don't see any way HOW to do it.

Does anyone have a good walk through on it with pictures or a video? I really was stumped on this, spent like an hour toying with it.

Thanks
 
Thanks. The vid in the first link is the one I was just looking at. Very helpful.

http://youtu.be/Y3paesWc8xI

I had to figure that out the hard way years ago. Took me quite a while as I recall, to find all the bolts involved. I did not even have a Haynes manual at the time IIRC. Done it so many times now, I can do it blindfolded, LOL. These youtube videos are making it childs play now.
 
Hahahahah so not to pull a Bimmer, but as I'm tightening up the adjuster bolt on the idler pulley, it freaking snaps!!!!

Looks like it'll be another few days till this is done. I can only hope that I can get the remainer of the old bolt out and the new one in without removing the PS assembly.

Anyone have a part number for that bolt? Maybe I can just go to a hardware store for one.
 
Not sure which bolt you are describing? The long belt tightening bolt is under the power steering pump, not on the idler pully?

If it is renix, ask 5-90, he has a RenixPowergroup on yahoo.com that I think has the bolt specs for renix.

My need to get one at the JY? Did you have the front side nut loose that locks down that bolt?


Hahahahah so not to pull a Bimmer, but as I'm tightening up the adjuster bolt on the idler pulley, it freaking snaps!!!!

Looks like it'll be another few days till this is done. I can only hope that I can get the remainer of the old bolt out and the new one in without removing the PS assembly.

Anyone have a part number for that bolt? Maybe I can just go to a hardware store for one.
 
Sorry it's not the idler pulley it's the one under the PS. It's the long adjustment bolt.

Gonna need to go get a JY one anyway, bc I need the part it feeds into as well, the one the pulley bolt also seats into. The bolt snapped in it, and I cannot get it out.
 
How in the world did you break that one?

Never mind, LOL, I don't want to know!!!
 
I think it may have crossthreaded or been rusted. I used an 18" bar to rachet it down lol.

Too many years of lifting/playing football. A few weeks ago my dad was cracking up when I bent the hell out of a pair of bolt cutters while on my back under my exhaust cutting off an exhaust bracket.
 
Quick question, what years would have the same adjustment bolt and the nut it and the pulley feed into as the 1996 XJ? Going to a pull a part tomorrow.
 
Prolly stick to a '96, if possible. They changed the belt set-up for '96, and I;m not sure if it remained that way to the end. Never fear, though. '96 was by far the biggest seller.
 
Well I got the replacement for the adjustment bolt and collar today. Threw those and the pulley back in, battery and started her up. Measuring 14.5 v and drives great. Engine has never been so quiet! Here's a list if what myself and 90XJay did.

Replaced plug wires, cap, rotor. Cut in new cat and muffler. Changing the TPS didn't help the idle, and new spark plugs did help a little. Cleaned the throttle body, put in a new CPS. That finally did it. While on the victory test drive, the alternator went. Got a new alternator. Put it in, snapped the adjustment bolt while tightening it up. Got a new bolt today, threw it all back together and she's running. Engine has never run so smooth!

Got the DD back after a 2 month layoff. Next up is a new gas tank when the weather improved and a 3" lift. I have to thank all the helpful advice I got on here from you guys!
 
Here are the plugs we pulled. I haven't changed them since I got the car 6 years ago. I think they were toast!
A8294328-6FC4-4DE3-8E6D-61403FFAFA03-833-00000053510CB62E.jpg
 
And you're wondering why it ran like crap? This should be the FIRST place you look! Fuel injection and computers/electronic ignition have made people soft. Back in the day, this was an every 10k miles ritual. The last plugs I saw worn almost that bad were the ones I pulled out of my Subie after only 30k miles. Clean as brand new, but the center electrodes were burned down to nothing. But, every plug fires every time, so each plug fires four times more often than it needs to.
 
Yea, this was definitely a learning experience. I've never been good about keeping up with my rides. Won't be a mistake I'll make again. I'm sure my fuel economy will improve!
 
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