'01 cherokee engine replacement

[mtulett1]

My 4.0 l won't hold oil pressure @ idle. I even put 20w50 oil in it. Though i do get better gas mileage. Does this still mean that the engine is shot? or am I missing something? IF i do need to replace the engine, can anyone recommend a place to get one. Also i wouldn't mind selling it if someone wanted to take on a project.

thanks

[ronaldk]

first change oil pressure sending unit I think on filter houing these go bad and if bad looks like you have no pressure. When in doubt you could put a real pressure gauge in to test but its probably sending unit. If that works you may want to put proper weight oil back in. Oh and ps heavier weight oil will not increase gas miles .Good luck post back

[mtulett1]

ya i have already replaced the sending unit. The increase gas milage is because the seals are all worn(probably)hence why i think i need a new engine. but thanks anyway

[fredjacksonsan]

How many miles? These engines usually last at least 250K miles.

[ronaldk]

I would put real pressure gauge in place where electrical sending unit is so no guess work. If low and no eng knock I would change oil pump. The 4.0 eng one of the good ones. Good luck

[mtulett1]

only 146000 miles but the guy who owned it before me beat the tar out of it.

[ronaldk]

146k is not that high miles for 4.0 but if you verify that pressure is low with real pressure gauge and eng has not started to knock and you have ablity to remove oil pan . then change oil pump its not lots of $$$$ and cant hurt who knows it may pressure up like new but if you do have v. low pressure and dont fix,then bottom end or rod could be next problem.

[rhandwor]

If the strainer isn't plugged I would check all the bearings before installing a new oil pump. Talk to your machine shop for other items to check.

[mtulett1]

thanks everyone!