Ask Joe: April 2008

The XJ rebuild saga continues

By Joe Bovee

I have been playing with this Jeep Cherokee relentlessly in the last few months, and really feel the need to issue a heartfelt shout-out. The greater part of this project would not have been possible if it weren't for the help of my partner-in-crime, so to speak. This man has helped shape all of my mechanical ability, and continues to teach me something new every time I start a project (one of the reasons I believe I search out new things to do on projects, and why I can truly never be finished with a vehicle). That said, I I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my Grandpa Charlie for all the help and inspiration he has given me throughout this project (and my life).

So, work on the Jeep this last month: with Gramps' help, we installed new fuel injectors. Instead of putting in stock XJ injectors, I did a little research on jeepforum.com and found that people have used Ford Mustang components to increase mileage, horsepower and improve drivability. So, with help from the guys at Cost Less Auto Parts, we located some injectors from a '99 GT with the 4.6 DOHC V8. We compared these injectors to the OEM XJ pieces and found that they would be a plug-and-play component.

After installing the injectors, we found that the idle smoothed out directly, but that the Jeep had an upset stomach — we had lost cylinders 3 and 4! We removed the cylinder head and found that it was warped and the gasket was blown. We sought the advice from machine gurus Ernie and Marty at Baxter Auto Parts. With years of experience between them, it took them no time at all to find that my cylinder head was basically junk. It was indeed warped, and also had a big beautiful crack between the water jackets. They suggested finding another head to rebuild. So off I went on a wrecking yard search, and managed to find a head locally — not a pretty one, mind you, but a good one. After 24 hours in a hot tank, and another afternoon with Marty, the head was better than new! They surfaced the head, performed a multi-angle valve grind, and reassembled the painted head. The finished product was better than expected! Add to that a good price and a great experience in the shop, and Baxter's is a great resource for any builder. (Check out our blog to find out more!)

Jeff (who works the parts counter at the Delta Park Baxter Auto Parts) helped by directing us to the appropriate high-quality Fel-Pro components. We got our new head, intake and water outlet gaskets, along with other install items. We also took this opportunity to install a new water temperature sensor and coolant temperature sensor while the coolant was drained from the system. With the new head in our garage and the parts ready, it was only a few hours before we had it back on. We also created a set of MSD wires for the Jeep, getting rid of the OEM wires and thus giving us a chance to set up our ignition system.

With the better-than-new head from the machine shop, the Mustang injectors and performance wires, I was biting my nails in anticipation. And with the first turn of the key…NOTHING! I had the firing order on the distributor wrong by ONE post. It only took a couple of minutes to fix the mistake, though, and my second turn of the key produced LIFE! The Jeep was alive again, and with a ferocious soul to boot.

So the saga continues…check the blog for additional updates and photos, and tune in next issue for more XJ rebuild drama.