Can a 97 Cherokee be timed?

[btroy]

I thought I read a 96-97 Jeep Cherokee could not be timed. it was controlled by the ECU......I think.

Reason I am asking as you may know I finally got my 97 Cherokee running, but it is running rough.

It had about 3/4 tank of fuel and I have added injector cleaner but it has not yet helped.

I cleaned all of the componets that connect to the thottle body and that improved it greatly.

I will replace the plug wires, but if the Jeep can not be timed then how am I to know what componet is causing it to run rough?

Troy

[AlohaBra]

Timing does not need to be set in the traditional way.

• Make sure you have Champion spark plugs in it
• Do a compression test
• Inspect the cap and rotor

[Saudade]

What else did you do to get it "running"? What was the problem?

[btroy]

Originally Posted by Saudade

What else did you do to get it "running"? What was the problem?

See thread http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=880870

[mmcpeck]

Do Champion plugs run the best in Jeep engine's?

I have an '87 Cherokee and just replaced plug cap and rotor, but didn't use Champion's.

[btroy]

replaced the cap, rotor and wires....runs much better. I still hear a miss but it is much better than it was.

Thanks

[AlohaBra]

All plugs work. They just go out sooner (a hassle to change one at a time).

[thundergod1320]

Don't like champion plugs... had a set come apart in a racemobile twice (porcelan top half stayed in the plug boots, wires swinging in the breeze) Shows really poor quality control/materials. I use bosch platinums... seem to work long after they should not even be in the car anymore!
In the shop, a new set of champions made a lot of engines run worse than when they came in! BUT, just like firearms, certain engines "like" certain plugs better, for no real reason, a lot of my guns like federal ammo better than anything else.

[AlohaBra]

Yeah, that is why the Jeep dealer mechanics (like my brother) will tell you that is the plug that works (period).

The OEM factory plugs are Champions. In the 2000 MY they are certified by the EPA for 100K miles.

[thundergod1320]

Yes, and a remmington rep told me that their ammo was the best to use in my 22-250 but seria boattails from hornady work better in mine. And a guy from Hays clutches told me that theirs was better than anyone elses but one from L&T worked far better when I tried one. Spark plugs react to the cylinder conditions in each vehicle. The amount of turbulence, compression, temperature, and timing each play a part in this. (there are subtle differences even in two engines which are supposedly identical) If a plug performs well keep using it but fine tuning for max fuel milage and power requires experimentation. About the only thing one should not use is a plug with a "reach" that is deeper than factory, as this will cause damage to pistons.

[dave92cherokee]

It's ultimately up to each person to buy what they believe is best and what they want. But as stated before and I am stating it again from personal experience, stay away from the Bosch plugs especially the +2 and +4's. I had a set of the +2 in my jeep after I first bought it and the electrode in #4 cylinder broke off inside the cylinder and beat the piston and valves all to he11. Contacted Bosch to see if their warranty would cover the damage to my engine and the money and time to repair it and all they said was send them the plugs so they could test them to see if it was a defect or if it was caused by overtightening or some other reason that they could make up to deny coverage. So because of their crappy plugs had to replace piston, connecting rod, piston rings, intake and exhaust valves, not to mention the 3 days it took to round up the parts and rebuild it. All in total going with what was supposed to be a "superior" plug ended up costing almost as much as I paid for the jeep. Never again will I or anyone I know use bosch products, currently run champion plugs and haven't had a problem yet.