mkawski
04-02-2016, 08:33 PM
I have a 2.5L 4 cylinder 1985 Cherokee
Been having lots of problems, posted a while ago but didn't get the issues resolved. Maybe someone can help me diagnose and fix these issues, I'm really trying to avoid taking it to a shop because I don't have all the money right now and would love to learn how to fix things on my own anyways.
So far the things I have fixed myself (with some help) are:
replaced clutch master cylinder and bled system(2 person bleed)
replaced serpentine belt
replaced water pump, fan clutch
flushed cooling system, had tap water in before and was all junked up
put in a new transmission bell housing cover plate
attempted to bleed brakes on own, not sure if it worked 100%??
Just for comparison, so you know my experience with cars. This is my first car, so I'm pretty new to it all and figuring things out. Please try to avoid slang if possible, and over-explain rather than under-explain. I also have a hard time finding parts, so if you could also point out locations that would be great. Appreciate the help!!
So here are the issues:
1. starting problems - once in a while the Jeep won't start at all, usually after I drove it a short distance. the engine turning over sound will gradually get slower and slower (battery dying probably with each attempt?). The first time this happened I parked my car in a lot for 4 hours, came back, it started fine. The second time (yesterday), I couldn't leave it for that long so I just had to get it towed.
I'm guessing this is the carburetor not being adjusted, and flooding? I don't know too much about this, correct me if I'm way off.
Also usually I have to pump the gas a bunch of times while starting, and it takes 3-4 times typically to start the car. I thought this was probably my fuel pump, and was going to replace it. Stupid question, but I can't find my fuel pump. Where should I look for it?? Any advice on replacing fuel pumps?
Also was going to replace the fuel filter while I'm at it, advice for that as well?
2.
Other huge problem lately is that there is a significant exhaust leak, my car sounds like a dirt bike when I accelerate it gets louder. Pretty sure it is the exhaust manifold gasket, but again not sure. Is this a simple fix, or would you recommend taking it to a shop for this? I read mixed advice, some say the bolts will snap easily and isn't worth it to try on own.
3.
Missing a tube from my air cleaner? Not sure if this is contributing to the carburetor/led to an exhaust issue? I don't think it is exactly a "cold air intake" but there are 2 photos attached
Blue circle - intake to air cleaner
Red circle - is there supposed to be a vacuum line or something here??
4.
My e-brake doesn't quite hold. I read that you can just tighten it by twisting a nut, but wasn't quite clear. Any extra tips for this? Torque specifications?
5. Recently noticed some new coolant leak below my air cleaner, haven't looked into it too much, but it was steaming and hissing after driving a bit and the leaking fluid appeared to be coolant.
6. The power steering started whining significantly. Not sure if its just a fluid issue, or compounded from the several other issues.
So yeah if you have any advice on where to find parts, about difficulty/ease of specific repairs, or any other general advice please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I got a job in Oregon for the summer, so ideally I could fix this all in the next month and drive up from Arizona. I'm skeptical right now because problems keep popping up, so I'd like to see if I could get it to be reliable before then.
Been having lots of problems, posted a while ago but didn't get the issues resolved. Maybe someone can help me diagnose and fix these issues, I'm really trying to avoid taking it to a shop because I don't have all the money right now and would love to learn how to fix things on my own anyways.
So far the things I have fixed myself (with some help) are:
replaced clutch master cylinder and bled system(2 person bleed)
replaced serpentine belt
replaced water pump, fan clutch
flushed cooling system, had tap water in before and was all junked up
put in a new transmission bell housing cover plate
attempted to bleed brakes on own, not sure if it worked 100%??
Just for comparison, so you know my experience with cars. This is my first car, so I'm pretty new to it all and figuring things out. Please try to avoid slang if possible, and over-explain rather than under-explain. I also have a hard time finding parts, so if you could also point out locations that would be great. Appreciate the help!!
So here are the issues:
1. starting problems - once in a while the Jeep won't start at all, usually after I drove it a short distance. the engine turning over sound will gradually get slower and slower (battery dying probably with each attempt?). The first time this happened I parked my car in a lot for 4 hours, came back, it started fine. The second time (yesterday), I couldn't leave it for that long so I just had to get it towed.
I'm guessing this is the carburetor not being adjusted, and flooding? I don't know too much about this, correct me if I'm way off.
Also usually I have to pump the gas a bunch of times while starting, and it takes 3-4 times typically to start the car. I thought this was probably my fuel pump, and was going to replace it. Stupid question, but I can't find my fuel pump. Where should I look for it?? Any advice on replacing fuel pumps?
Also was going to replace the fuel filter while I'm at it, advice for that as well?
2.
Other huge problem lately is that there is a significant exhaust leak, my car sounds like a dirt bike when I accelerate it gets louder. Pretty sure it is the exhaust manifold gasket, but again not sure. Is this a simple fix, or would you recommend taking it to a shop for this? I read mixed advice, some say the bolts will snap easily and isn't worth it to try on own.
3.
Missing a tube from my air cleaner? Not sure if this is contributing to the carburetor/led to an exhaust issue? I don't think it is exactly a "cold air intake" but there are 2 photos attached
Blue circle - intake to air cleaner
Red circle - is there supposed to be a vacuum line or something here??
4.
My e-brake doesn't quite hold. I read that you can just tighten it by twisting a nut, but wasn't quite clear. Any extra tips for this? Torque specifications?
5. Recently noticed some new coolant leak below my air cleaner, haven't looked into it too much, but it was steaming and hissing after driving a bit and the leaking fluid appeared to be coolant.
6. The power steering started whining significantly. Not sure if its just a fluid issue, or compounded from the several other issues.
So yeah if you have any advice on where to find parts, about difficulty/ease of specific repairs, or any other general advice please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I got a job in Oregon for the summer, so ideally I could fix this all in the next month and drive up from Arizona. I'm skeptical right now because problems keep popping up, so I'd like to see if I could get it to be reliable before then.