FREE BEER! Please read- 89 XJ starting/running issues

[jcolindunn]

So I had what (hopefully not) appears to be a lack in judgement buying an 89 xj. The truck is badass- its got a lift, sway bar and 33 inch tires so you can understand what compelled me. It has a new motor however, apparently out of an 94.
The truck had obviously been driven hard, I managed to get it for super cheap because i got it the day the last owner was moving, unfortunately for this reason i never got a test drive.
Enough talk- onto the problem
So the truck has no problem starting (assuming the battery is charged) cold. It even idles smoothly. However, when I put in in reverse, the truck stalls/dies and then won't start up again. I have a bit better luck putting it in drive, but at best it won't run for to long.
I have replaced the spark plugs (which were shot!), also i checked the rotor on the distributor cap and it seemed alright.
-I haven't checked the fuel pressure as i don't have the right tools, however when i pressed the valve some shot out, so that should be good enough?
-I tried adjusting the TPS, it idled a little higher however it didn't seem to have much effect, however when i reved it backfired a bit (oh crap)
-When it is idling, if you rev it it comes back down slowly (like the throttle body/sensor is sticking?)
-When trying to start it hot, it will sputter/fire every 5 seconds or so, perhaps not all cylinders are firing?
-I still haven't changed the oil, its really dirty

ANY ideas would be appreciated! Hopefully you guys have experiance with this.

Other background- My DD is a 92 4dr 4L XJ, I want to be able to tear it up with this rig on the weekends!
Please help me out!!! Thank you in advance.

I'm 19 and this is my first project, so i could use some help. If you are reading this and happen to be really good with fixing xjs, than if you come and figure out whats wrong with it (you don't actually have to fix it, just tell me what I need to do) I'll buy you a case of your favorite cold ones!  If you'd like to help out email me [email protected]

[fug]

Check the CPS (Crank Position Sensor)

[frenchy]

Sounds like a transmission issue, torque converter maybe?
Is the fluid clean or foamy? Any better in 4 Low?

[Evil-Jeep]

Start with the basics, oil, air filter, ect this should be done anyways. Have you checked your spark plugs sounds like many of the problems that you are having could be plug relater or at the very least you may be able to diagnose some of the issues by inspecting the plugs, a guide on plug failure can be found here: http://www.beru.com/english/produkte/zuendkerzen/diagnosehilfe.php . Keep in mind that if the plugs are bad, it is very likely that something else made them that way, so spend the time making sure everything related to any plug problems is addressed, nothing is worse than a bandaid fix that comes undone 100 miles from anywhere.



good luck!

[YoungFluff03TJ]

Hey colin can I have free beer if I give your tools back  . And none of that TNT/BigBear/Crowbeer beautys you always manage to find

[FiEND]

x2 on oil change.

[frenchy]

The truck is badass- its got a lift, sway bar and 33 inch tires

A sway bar? really? Wow, good deal!

Have you changed the oil and spark plugs yet to see if that will help it shift out of park without stalling?   

You should sell this to Doug for $100, he'd get it going!

[jcolindunn]

A sway bar? really? Wow, good deal!

Have you changed the oil and spark plugs yet to see if that will help it shift out of park without stalling?   

You should sell this to Doug for $100, he'd get it going!

my bad, i mean quick release sway bar

lol my bad, quick release sway bar disconnect


UPDATE:
So my buddy and I did some research and a bit of tinkering with the TPS. We loosened it, etc. to no real gain, except higher revs when idling. Simply to experiment we decided to take it off, and see what difference that made. In all our wisdom, we attached it upside down.... the jeep now starts up faster then my DD, only it idles at 2000 rpm. This doesn't sound to bad, only this has put the engine off time! now when i put it in gear, the engine knocks! We reinstalled the tps right side up, and it was back to the original problem of no hot starting!
The inconsistent starting appears to be a result of the tps at this point, i'm picking up a new sensor today. Logically, this makes sense to me as the TPS has something to do with mixin up the air and fuel properly i believe. Any thoughts on this?
Hopefully if i'm real lucky the new tps will solve all the starting issues, and hopefully the timing will go back on to get rid of that damn new engine knock, and pigs will start flying and we can all go for a free ice cream and unicorn rides...
-I have changed spark plugs/wires/rotor
-I haven't got around to changing the oil yet, logical next step.
-Still haven't got in to the CPS, will check it after new TPS, hopefully the TPS will resolve the issues.

Any thoughts on the new knocking/timing issue? It would make sense to me if its cause the TPS is buggered because its obviously sending all the wrong messages to the computer, just wondering if you guys had dealt with that before?
Thanks everyone, cross your fingers for me! I'm gonnna get this thing purrring all day long and totally be more badass then keaton and jamal lol

[taegeuk]

Have you tried checking the engine codes with a reader? fixed my tps right up.

[jcolindunn]

Have you tried checking the engine codes with a reader? fixed my tps right up.

Yea, thats the next step I just have to track one down. Where do you get one? Apparently my buddy knows someone, hopefully he can lend me one.

[taegeuk]

I have one....and I love beer