E-diagnosis of engine problem after barrel roll?

BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
So after I barrel rolled at URE a few weeks ago, I have really not messed with the engine of the jeep until tonight.

After the roll she fired up and I drove her off the trail all the way back to the Outpost. She got a little hot on the way several times and I had to shut her off to let her cool down. She did reach the red on the temp gauge a few times right before I shut her off.

When I got her home I pulled her into the garage and let her sit for a week or so. Then I went to start her to pull her out of the garage and I had a hard time keeping her running, she would start then stutter and die. So tonight I changed the spark plugs and she starts better but still wont stay running unless I keep on the gas pedal.

So what else should I check/replace? Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Check the distributor, maybe replace the cap and rotor. Do a compression check and a vacuum gauge test. Check for vacuum leaks, loose or cracked vacuum lines. Check for bent, crimped, damaged fuel delivery lines and or do a fuel pressure test. Check for bent or misaligned throttle linkage.
 
Thanks guys, I will check those this weekend. I didn't think about air in the cooling system, it was boiling over, and the radiator cap will twist but I can''t seem to get it off.
 
clay your 'ish is effed in the A...










You're definately low in coolant if it was boiling over.. i'd bet you've got a broken or loose vaccum line, check the one that goes to your map sensor first. then make sure you're getting fuel but if you drove it back out after the roll i doubt its a fuel issue although the roll could have stirred up some junk in your tank and clogged up the fuel filter.. FWIW good luck
 
Yeah, checking the coolant level and burping it sounds like the first and most likely for stopping it from getting hot.

Give the cap a few wraps with the the handle of a big screwdriver while you twist back and forth and pull up, should pop right off.
 
How do I go about burping the coolant system. I did add more coolant before I started trying to turn the motor over. Maybe that wasn't wise.
 
Was the battery low? For some reason if the jeep was jumped off and has a weak battery, I've found the computer won't let them idle. You have to keep your foot on the gas.
 
jeepinmatt said:
Was the battery low? For some reason if the jeep was jumped off and has a weak battery, I've found the computer won't let them idle. You have to keep your foot on the gas.
Click to expand...
X2. Some Chrysler vehicles take a while to relearn idle strategy after a dead battery or battery disconnect.

Definitely get the coolant refilled and burped, and don't let it get too hot before you cook that engine.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

I will try burping the cooling system this weekend.

As for the battery theory, I have had the battery disconnected, then reconnected it right before I fired the motor up, so this morning before I left the house I connected the battery. Tonight when I get home I will try starting her again and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks guys and keep the theories coming!
 
BigClay said:
As for the battery theory, I have had the battery disconnected, then reconnected it right before I fired the motor up, so this morning before I left the house I connected the battery. Tonight when I get home I will try starting her again and see if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...

The battery being connected is part of it, but it will have to run for a while to relearn. Until then, you'll likely see the same thing (crappy idle)
 
Ahh, thanks for clarifying.
 
Back
Top