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Recent posts
#51
The Engine / Re: Exhaust Smoke On Start-Up
Last post by PNWingnut - May 26, 2025, 12:26:55 PMI think we are progressing in the right direction!
None of the spark plugs were fouled, the ends did have that toasted marshmallow color on the end and were dry.
I took a look at the carburetor and that was certainly part of the issue. What I forgot is that before I got the head worked on I had to turn the idle screw out a lot to get it to idle for me. But after getting that work done I did not adjust it back, so it was still 4+ turns out. I set it back to 1.5 turns and checked the two mixture screws at the base of the carburetor as well (they were fine).
As for the smell, I have a hard time telling what it is, but I'll give it another whiff next time I drive it. With the screws adjusted I started it up and immediately I noticed a better startup. Much less rough and didn't have to give it much gas to keep it running. I then took it for a drive on the highway to try and clear things out again. I am heading out of town for a couple days, but when I get back I'm going to start it up again, give the carburetor the tuning it needs and see where we are at. I may also do another compression test.
As a side note, I have a Holley Sniper EFI on the way, but I want to figure out this issue first. I'd rather spend time futzing with the carburetor and getting the exhaust smoke gone as is before adding something new into the mix.
None of the spark plugs were fouled, the ends did have that toasted marshmallow color on the end and were dry.
I took a look at the carburetor and that was certainly part of the issue. What I forgot is that before I got the head worked on I had to turn the idle screw out a lot to get it to idle for me. But after getting that work done I did not adjust it back, so it was still 4+ turns out. I set it back to 1.5 turns and checked the two mixture screws at the base of the carburetor as well (they were fine).
As for the smell, I have a hard time telling what it is, but I'll give it another whiff next time I drive it. With the screws adjusted I started it up and immediately I noticed a better startup. Much less rough and didn't have to give it much gas to keep it running. I then took it for a drive on the highway to try and clear things out again. I am heading out of town for a couple days, but when I get back I'm going to start it up again, give the carburetor the tuning it needs and see where we are at. I may also do another compression test.
As a side note, I have a Holley Sniper EFI on the way, but I want to figure out this issue first. I'd rather spend time futzing with the carburetor and getting the exhaust smoke gone as is before adding something new into the mix.
#52
The Engine / Re: Exhaust Smoke On Start-Up
Last post by Ludworks - May 26, 2025, 04:07:27 AMI would also expect, with a cracked head or worn valve guides, that you'd see more than one drop of (possibly) oil on one piston.
I'd also think that if you had a PCV issue you'd see a lot more oil in the air cleaner. MIPS had some fun with that a few years ago, he might have some insights.
Were the spark plugs fouled or did they have that nice lightly-toasted marshmallow look to the ceramic? With oil in the combustion chamber you'd absolutely see one or more spark plugs covered in ash and/or black gunk.
Crazy question here, but are you sure it's oil? I just recently saw where a rich condition caused black liquid mist to spray out the exhaust. It wasn't oil, but a mix of water, un-burned gas, soot, hydrocarbons, etc. It makes a pretty convincing "oil stain" where it speckles the concrete (and your shoes) but it's actually just too much fuel. It also can have a pretty strong smell. Not so common to physically see that with a working catalytic converter, but it could happen and would explain the rough start condition when cold. You'd see a lot of white/tan exhaust as opposed to the bluish smoke of burning oil.
I'd also think that if you had a PCV issue you'd see a lot more oil in the air cleaner. MIPS had some fun with that a few years ago, he might have some insights.
Were the spark plugs fouled or did they have that nice lightly-toasted marshmallow look to the ceramic? With oil in the combustion chamber you'd absolutely see one or more spark plugs covered in ash and/or black gunk.
Crazy question here, but are you sure it's oil? I just recently saw where a rich condition caused black liquid mist to spray out the exhaust. It wasn't oil, but a mix of water, un-burned gas, soot, hydrocarbons, etc. It makes a pretty convincing "oil stain" where it speckles the concrete (and your shoes) but it's actually just too much fuel. It also can have a pretty strong smell. Not so common to physically see that with a working catalytic converter, but it could happen and would explain the rough start condition when cold. You'd see a lot of white/tan exhaust as opposed to the bluish smoke of burning oil.
#53
Question and Answer / Re: 4.0 flexplate
Last post by maddog - May 25, 2025, 09:13:57 PMSo I was able to get the flexplate for the Jeep Wrangler today and I can confirm that it does bolt up to the 998 torque converter.
#54
The Engine / Re: Exhaust Smoke On Start-Up
Last post by PNWingnut - May 25, 2025, 07:46:03 PMAlright, I've got a bit of an update. I got the car back from the shop yesterday (yay!) and took it out for a good long drive to burn off the oil. This morning I took off all the spark plugs and took a look inside as suggested. The spark plugs were all dry and the pistons looked pretty dry as well. I did see one drop of something on #2 and I couldn't really see into #6 just because of how far back it is plus the wiring harness in the way. Otherwise, all dry and I would think if that was causing the amount of oil that blows out the exhaust to happen I'd see more than 1 singular drop.
I also checked the PCV hose and did find that there was a hole in the hose. I replaced it and checked that I have suction at the PCV valve while it's running, which I do. While checking the PCV valve suction after changing the hose I verified that yes, it is still blowing oil out the back.
I took off the top of the air cleaner to watch where the vent from the rear of the valve cover connects to it. When I give it gas I see puffs of exhaust smoke come out and there is some oily residue there in the air cleaner. Am I correct that this sounds like blowby?
I have not yet dribbled water into the intake, but will probably be trying that soon.
I also checked the PCV hose and did find that there was a hole in the hose. I replaced it and checked that I have suction at the PCV valve while it's running, which I do. While checking the PCV valve suction after changing the hose I verified that yes, it is still blowing oil out the back.
I took off the top of the air cleaner to watch where the vent from the rear of the valve cover connects to it. When I give it gas I see puffs of exhaust smoke come out and there is some oily residue there in the air cleaner. Am I correct that this sounds like blowby?
I have not yet dribbled water into the intake, but will probably be trying that soon.
#55
Visitors and Guests / Re: Finally caught an Eagle!
Last post by 89 MJ - May 23, 2025, 07:53:34 PMWelcome! I've got an 86 Eagle and an 89 MJ too
#56
Visitors and Guests / Finally caught an Eagle!
Last post by Jeepxjdriver - May 23, 2025, 07:52:39 PMHello, my name is Jeepxjdriver, and I have a problem.
After owning a 96 Jeep XJ for the last 14 odd years I picked up a decent example of a 89 MJ to add to the growing fleet. Well as of last month the crack dealer known as "Marketplace" had an 83 Eagle wagon in my area for a reasonable price. Well now I have three AMC based projects in the fleet now.
Oh Joy...
The 83 is a Limited trim with what looks like the pillow leather seats, tilt, a/c (it's missing a few pieces) and a five speed manual. It has about 130K (iirc), got it running enough to put on the trailer. The T-5 needs rebuilt, the engine is out of an 1980 AMC, and looks like a hacked up wire harness to boot.
This is going to take me awhile to put back together correctly, only after I complete the mods on the XJ, and finish repairing the MJ and gets its new to it AMC 360 and AX-15 combo ready for drop in.
I hope to be able to share info and insights here on this and other AMC based chassis.
Again, my name is Jeepxjdriver and if you need me I'll be in the corner scrolling on Fleebay and "Marketplace" looking for parts.
After owning a 96 Jeep XJ for the last 14 odd years I picked up a decent example of a 89 MJ to add to the growing fleet. Well as of last month the crack dealer known as "Marketplace" had an 83 Eagle wagon in my area for a reasonable price. Well now I have three AMC based projects in the fleet now.
Oh Joy...
The 83 is a Limited trim with what looks like the pillow leather seats, tilt, a/c (it's missing a few pieces) and a five speed manual. It has about 130K (iirc), got it running enough to put on the trailer. The T-5 needs rebuilt, the engine is out of an 1980 AMC, and looks like a hacked up wire harness to boot.
This is going to take me awhile to put back together correctly, only after I complete the mods on the XJ, and finish repairing the MJ and gets its new to it AMC 360 and AX-15 combo ready for drop in.
I hope to be able to share info and insights here on this and other AMC based chassis.
Again, my name is Jeepxjdriver and if you need me I'll be in the corner scrolling on Fleebay and "Marketplace" looking for parts.
#57
Question and Answer / Re: 4.0 flexplate
Last post by maddog - May 22, 2025, 08:59:19 PMBoth the XJ and the Wrangler used the same starter in 93.
#58
The Engine / Re: Exhaust Smoke On Start-Up
Last post by Ludworks - May 22, 2025, 06:14:27 AMI wouldn't tear it all down just yet. Your logic is sound, but if the rings were so stuck or damaged that you're sucking enough oil past the pistons to blow it out the exhaust I'd expect that thing to be clattering like a diesel on startup.
Mips is right that worn valve guides can cause this issue. The valves can "wobble" in the guides and let oil past, but I would expect to see at least some change with new stem seals, especially since the shop apparently checked and replaced several valves. The fact that there is no change is mighty suspicious.
I'd recommend you take it for a drive, burn off all the oil that's on the pistons, maybe dribble some water in the intake like 89 MJ suggests, then let it sit overnight. In the morning pull the spark plugs and take a look down the spark plug holes. Rotate the engine by hand to bring the pistons up to a good viewing height. If the pistons are oily it's definitely a head issue. Take a look at the plugs too and you'll be able to tell which cylinders are getting oiled, that should narrow things down substantially.
Also, maybe check the PCV system. Make sure it's routed and functioning correctly. Pull the line from the valve cover and see how much vapor is coming out of your crankcase while running. If you're sucking oil up past the rings it stands to reason you'd be pushing some exhaust down past them too.
Mips is right that worn valve guides can cause this issue. The valves can "wobble" in the guides and let oil past, but I would expect to see at least some change with new stem seals, especially since the shop apparently checked and replaced several valves. The fact that there is no change is mighty suspicious.
I'd recommend you take it for a drive, burn off all the oil that's on the pistons, maybe dribble some water in the intake like 89 MJ suggests, then let it sit overnight. In the morning pull the spark plugs and take a look down the spark plug holes. Rotate the engine by hand to bring the pistons up to a good viewing height. If the pistons are oily it's definitely a head issue. Take a look at the plugs too and you'll be able to tell which cylinders are getting oiled, that should narrow things down substantially.
Also, maybe check the PCV system. Make sure it's routed and functioning correctly. Pull the line from the valve cover and see how much vapor is coming out of your crankcase while running. If you're sucking oil up past the rings it stands to reason you'd be pushing some exhaust down past them too.
#59
The Engine / Re: Exhaust Smoke On Start-Up
Last post by MIPS - May 22, 2025, 01:57:26 AMWhen I had a head renewed in 2020 it had similar issues of coughing oil on a cold start (left to sit) and while they did the valve seals they did not do the valve guides. When it was rebuilt again in 2022 they found the guides were badly worn and it should of had the valves changed at the same time previous. This was causing oil to run down the guides even with new seals and leave oil and a LOT of carbon in the cylinder.
#60
Question and Answer / Re: 4.0 flexplate
Last post by EagleSX4_5Speed - May 22, 2025, 12:12:25 AMJust adding that the starter should match the flex plate/flywheel. The offset of the flex plate/flywheel changed between the years.
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