1994 grand cherokee ltd 5.2

[jeep1994]

Stupidly I ran my Jeep out of oil today and it shut down on the freeway. Long story short luckily the engine did not seize. Got it towed and put 4 qts of oil in the engine. Started it up and it was stuttering slowly then when I tried to apply gas it sounded like it started to choke and the stuttering will slow down considerably. Released the gas stuttering sped up a little, but not steady until it just stopped all together. Everytime I turn the ignition the engine swings, but wouldn't start. I've been told that it has an automatic shutdown that probably saved my engine from seizing on me. I don't have the money to take it to a repair shop now and i'm in desperate need of my vehicle. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I know it was real stupid of me to not check my oil regularly, but hindsight is a .....well you know. Please help.

[JDPascal]

My interpretation of your comment that "Everytime I turn the ignition the engine swings, but wouldn't start". is that the engine has seized. I could be and hope I am wrong.

Or is it that the engine rotates when you run the starter with the key and it doesn't start and run by it's self??

Not sure which so if doesn't turn over, what I would do is find a socket and short extension that will fit the head of the bolt in the center of the front engine pully. Use a 1/2" drive socket. try to turn the engine using a ratchet or flex handle. If the engine turns you have better news than if it doesn't and people on the board will need more information.

JD

[jeep1994]

The engine does rotate when I run the starter with the key, but it doesn't run by itself.

[JDPascal]

Does it crank ( rotate) as fast as it did when you started it before the oil problem??

[jeep1994]

Yes it does. It sounds as if it wants to start, but it doesn't.

[JDPascal]

First thing to check is spark.

Take one of the spark plug wires off a plug and insert a phillips screwdriver into the terminal in the boot. that will give you something to hold onto while you hold it "near" a bracket on the engine and some one runs the key switch to crank the engine.

the screwdriver shaft should not be touching the bracket but 1/4 to 1/2" away from it. If you get a spark, thats good but you need to then check for fuel and compression.

JD

[jeep1994]

I'll check the spark plug tomorrow and what about the feul and compression do I need to check?

[JDPascal]

If you have a spark, and have been cranking the engine for a bit, remove a spark plug and look at the end that was in the engine.

It should be wet. could be oil or could be gas. you should be able to see the difference.

You should have the compression checked by a mechanic if every thing else checks out or you could buy a gauge and check it your self by following the instructions that come with it or that you find in a manual.

JD

[jeep1994]

Ok. Thanks so much for your assistance and i'll keep you inform as to the progress. Once again I appreciate your help.