Jeep Wrangler Maintenance and Repair Questions (up to 1996)

mjankmjank Member Posts: 1
I just purchased a used windshield frame for my 88 Wrangler. The glass was bad but the frame was good. Removal was tough due to the glass being caulked in. Are all of the 88 Wrangler windshields caulked in? Would you advise me to take both the new frame and my old one with the good glass to a pro to switch them?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Mike
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Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There's a recent similar thread about this over in the Wrangler Problems discussion:

    newjack1, "Jeep Wrangler: Problems and Solutions" #343, 19 Jun 2006 2:31 pm

    Check it out while waiting for responses in here.

    Steve, Host
  • ufmikeufmike Member Posts: 4
    After I changed my oil I checked the dipstick and it still read "Add Oil". I even used 6 quarts instead of 5.5 quarts. I checked all over and could not find any leakages. I have a 1996 wrangler with 230,000 miles and the 4.0L six cylinder engine. Any ideas why all of sudden the oil is coming up short?
  • xscoutxscout Member Posts: 141
    If you have not had the Jeep since new, there is the possibility that the original dipstick was lost and replaced with the incorrect one. Also make sure nothing is causing the dipstick to hang up so that it doesn't go down all the way. My 1997 Jeep with the 4.0L takes a full 6 quarts each oil change, as it should with a filter change, and reads full when I am done.
  • ufmikeufmike Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the reply. Yeah it could be that the dipstick was a little bent or something. Or maybe I should add 6.5 quarts because the mileage is so high. I haven't had my jeep since new, but I have had it for the last 110K miles, and I have changed the oil numerous times without incident.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    I realize that I am replying to a post that was made five months ago, but, in case someone else comes along... no, the crankcase capacity does not change as the vehicle gets older. If it took six quarts of oil to fill the crankcase when the vehicle was new, it shoud STILL take six quarts.

    There must be something wrong with the dipstick, or maybe someone has altered the oil filtering system in some way, so that more oil is required to fill the system.

    Over-filling too much is definitely NOT good for the engine, so be careful.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • castillo2castillo2 Member Posts: 1
    trying to sell. need a fair asking price. 1990 wrangler. hardtop. automatic. 6 cylinder. kc lights on top. problems: needs new flywheel. new ring and pinion. small leak in transfer case. and a bearing broke where the gas pedal attaches to the cable that it controls. not trying to rip anybody off, so i'm wondering what it's worth. also, pioneer am/fm/cd face off. guard rails all around as well. thanx to anybody that can please help me.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    TMV new car prices, used car pricing, used car values at Edmunds would be the best place to start.

    tidester, host
  • littleredjeeplittleredjeep Member Posts: 2
    so i was coming out of a neiborhood and my jeep that i just got yesterday for christmas started ticking and im new to driving a stick so i down shifted and slowed down and it still ticked as i was pulling of the road i put it into nuetral and it died then white smoke started coming out and a "highlighter" green color liquid was every ware so i called my dad n grandad and they said i had i had a blown hose so me and my dad went to the auto store and went back and replaced it i cranked it and its started right up but when i put it into reverse it got hot fast and then stalled and now it wont crank so i left it and were gonna go back any suggestions on whats wrong and preventatives id appresiate it greatly!

    thanks
    Littleredjeep
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Hope some more mechanically inclined folks will jump in here and offer their suggestions, but here's all that I know to tell you, Littlered:

    Your coolant is either not circulating, or else, if it IS circulating, its heat is not being dissipated.

    Possible causes for coolant not circulating would include:

    1. Thermostat stuck closed
    2. Water pump not working
    3. Air pocket in the cooling system somewhere, preventing circulation
    4. Radiator clogged

    About the only possible cause for the heat in your coolant not being dissipated that I can think of would be that your radiator fan is not working. (Your coolant circulates through the jacket surrounding the cylinders in your engine block and absorbs the heat from the combustion of the gasoline vapor when the cylinders fire. The hot coolant is then supposed to circulate to the radiator, where the radiator fan is supposed to cool it back down, before it returns to the engine to once again take the heat away from the cylinders.)

    There is another possibility for the heat not being dissipated by the radiator, and that would be due to mud covering the radiator fins. This would have an insulating effect and keep the water from cooling as the fan blows cool air across the fins.

    Good luck.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • littleredjeeplittleredjeep Member Posts: 2
    i appriciate you help i fixed it i changed the termostat and put a new radiator in it well a rebuilt but its running alright i think my trany might be slipping when its in 1st it kinda jumps and all this is my first stick but im getting the hang of it i just have to concentrate and not talk or smoke or listen to the radio loudly which i like to do all of them while driving but hope it works out tommarrow im taking it to get a shock re welded it was broke when i bought it and i think me and my grandad are gonna clean out the battery tray its rusted over but once again i thank you for you help! so what kind of jeep do you have?? any problems?

    thanks
    Lilredjeep :confuse:
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Lilred:

    I have a 2001 Wrangler Sport. She has been pretty much trouble free, except for things that have happened while I was off roading her.

    She has seen many, many hours on the trails, and considering what she has been through, it is truly amazing how few things have "broken."

    Hey, you should join us over at the "Jeep Wrangler" forum. That's where folks get together and discuss anything pertaining to Jeeps or Jeepin'. There are over 22,000 posts in there.

    What's your first name?

    Tom
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    I have a 87 Jeep Wrangler in perfect condition, except for a bad engine knock. I need to know how and where and whats a resonable price for a new engine. Because of the age of the car, and the fact that I'm a woman, auto shops see dollar signs when I walk in. I'm in northern NJ, and am getting desperate. Thank you!!!! ">
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    To get an idea of the cost for the engine itself use the internet. Check also with auto parts stores like NAPA and Autozone. Pricing varies throughout the country for both parts and labor so you need to check locally as well.

    What you say about being a woman is unfortunately true, so have a male friend make any phone calls. It should be possible to get an accurate quote over the phone, as removing and replacing a Jeep engine is pretty straightforward. There should be no hidden surprises, but expect to have to renew hoses, clips, odd nuts and bolts, and consider having a new clutch installed as well.
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the info..found a place in NC called NYBlock..he said an engine is 1575..Jasper is higher..I have a friend who can make the calls..my estimates have run from 1500-4200....Even Jeep said the latter was way too high...It's a huge pain in the butt, but well worth the effort..the Jeeps in great shape, and I admit to being a little Jeep crazy:) SO Thanks!
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    I'd do that..have had my 87 replaced 2x's..second because the first was not done properly and the guy left town..make sure the caulking is done right, also....water leaks...have had to recaulk mine a couple of times. Good luck..
  • jonbork74jonbork74 Member Posts: 1
    how much should I plan on spending for a clutch repair?
  • governgovern Member Posts: 1
    just bought my first wrangler two days ago....now i find when i turn on the heating only cold air will blow....help
  • dutch8006dutch8006 Member Posts: 2
    Hello, looking for a little insight. I have a 1988 wrangler and it is making a popping sound in the front drivers side wheel whenever I make a turn. Does anyone have any ideal what that would be coming from? Thank you
  • ruggedeiruggedei Member Posts: 1
    hi, did u get a reply for this yet? i have a 95 wrangler and the same thing happened to me. there's a latch right below the passenger seat that allows heat from the engine to flow in. when u go over bumps n stuff this latch pops out. it's hard to explain, you just need to pop it back into the slot. i can show u if you want.
  • dutch8006dutch8006 Member Posts: 2
    Thank you for the reply, had not heard anything from anyone on the issue. I have to talked some local people and so far the information I recieved is that it could be the cvc joint. Thank you for the response. If you let know the information you have on the latch you were talking about I will check it out.
  • ladyramladyram Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1994 jeep wrangler and the engine turns over but wont start. the engine light does not come on right a way. I have to turn the key on and off for about five mints. Or untill i hear a clicking noise under the hood then the light comes on and i can start it.
  • jeeptwojeeptwo Member Posts: 8
    I have a 93 Wrangler with a 4cyl....I want to put a 305 V8 with a 700R Transmission...I am sure I would have to replace the front and rear ends...what about the transfer case?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Any time you go to a larger output engine, you really need to address the strength of your transmission and components. Even with the TJ, they used different transmissions.

    As for the t-case, you MAY be able to get away with using the same one, but you may want to consider something with a stronger rating to handle the power from the engine.

    -Paul
  • jeeptwojeeptwo Member Posts: 8
    I was contemplating putting a v8 in my 93 jeep; however I found a Chevy 4.3L V-6 that has been rebuilt and ready to put into a '81-86 CJ7...are there considerable differences between the CJ7 and my Wrangler. Would this 4.3 be a good fit for my 93 Wrangler?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Honestly, don't know.

    But I'd check for basic fitment and see how the motor mounts would mate up.

    -Paul
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    I am looking for a black in dash ashtray for an 87 jeep wrangler..impossible to find...engine is rebuilt..body perfect, just need the ashtray to complete the picture for myself, and for insurance purposes..THANKS javajive@aol.com
  • babe8256babe8256 Member Posts: 6
    Hi There

    I hope someone can help me. This is very urgent. I have purchased a new theromostat housing unit for my Jeep Wrangler 1989 2.5 4cl. However it does not have the plug that I require (it didnt come with it) I am in the UK and the company I bought it from are not being very helpful they said that they think the part is no longer available. Please see pictures below and advise where I could buy this plug? I need to sell my Jeep asap as I am no longer permitted to park it where it is and without the plug it does not start.

    Thank you so much for your help.

    imageSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

    imageSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
  • burntupburntup Member Posts: 64
    It looks like this is simply a pipe plug.
    You might find what you need at the hardware store.
    Brass plugs are usually a good choice for this as they are less likely to be over tightened.
    Use teflon tape on the threads and you should be OK.
    Sounds like the supplier is not willing to take a little time to help a guy out. Jerks.
  • babe8256babe8256 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks very much for your great advise burntup.
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    I had my 258 engine rebuilt...got it out and it continually missed...a new ignition switch was put in, carb rebuilt, plugs,wires rotor and distributor cap....got it out and it missed and bucked...brought it back & he's saying the the ignition switch was bad..3000 dollars later...could it be anything else he is overlooking? I'm desperate..javajive@aol.com
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Take it to a competent shop with basic test equipment and it should take them about ten minutes to identify whether it's a fuel or an ignition problem. From that point on it's easy-peasy. :)

    When you're hands on with the vehicle it's really pretty basic stuff to analyze this sort of thing, especially on older carb/distributor equipped engines.
  • yjbobyjbob Member Posts: 56
    Could the timing chain have been misaligned during the rebuild?
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Could be, hope not. Frightening to think that an engine builder could be that incompetent. :sick:
  • dannij05dannij05 Member Posts: 1
    :( I have a '91 Wrangler Renegade 5-speed. Got it about two years ago, replaced the transmission, then the engine blew last summer. Just recently replaced both the engine and transmission again (as in less than a week ago) and when I started driving it was struggling into 2nd. Today I go to drive and it's making a "thumping" noise underneath the clutch even in neutral. When I push the clutch in it stops, looking underneath is looks almost like the universal is shaking when the clutch is not in... When driving, it goes into first (making noise of course) and won't go into 2nd, but as soon I pull out of 1st into neutral it won't go back in until completely stopped, won't go into any other gear. To get into reverse i have to fight it, and when in still makes noise...

    I have no idea what to do, hoping someone can help me out, put way too much money and time into it for it to be acting up again...
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Could be all kinds of things, but whatever it is I think that the transmission is going to have to be removed.

    If you're lucky it's a clutch problem, on the other hand it could easily be a transmission issue.
  • mdunlapmdunlap Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1995 Rio Grande, 68,000 orig mi. 4 cyl. My Jeep was making some strange noises. Took to a local shop. Said the motor mounts(4} needed replacement. In addition the transmission mounts {2} needed replacement. Most noise is due to exhaust pipe sometimes resting on a plate due to weakened [perhaps dryrotted mounts]. I can find someone to replace the mounts so I tried to buy new ones. I have heard numbers of 2-4 engine mounts. Exactly how many mounts are involved? If I am going to have this done I want to replace ALL mounts. Probably a simple answer for you, but I bought my Jeep new and use it rarely. Know very little about cars other than regular maintenance. Excuse my ignorance...I just want to keep my Jeep in exceptional condition.
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    New problem..had engine rebuilt,carb rebuilt, ignition switch, distributor cap,rotor,wires,plugs, water pume,starter..you name it, it got done....Car broke down for the 7th time yesterday..strong gas smell..no start...was not flooded, or so the AAA guy said.after 3G, I need to get the problem resolved...any ideas? I need HELP! Thanks
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Don't often see a Rio Grande. There are two engine mounts and one transmission mount. The exhaust is also rubber mounted. Everything should still be available from the dealer, but they're also readily available aftermarket.

    Don't be tempted to use polyurethane rather than rubber. Poly is lasts longer, but is harder and transmits a lot of vibration.

    Here's a pic of what you need. The big square one is the transmission mount. You can buy them HERE for $40.

    image
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    So did you take it to a shop to get it checked out (see post #34). The cost will be minimal compared to what you've already spent.
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    Well.it broke down again..now he thinks it may be the choke...I had it towed to another shop...hope this guy is competent...sad thing is that everyone from this area uses the same rebuilder..
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    Thanks..hope it is in a competent shop now that it broke down again...what's tough is that when you are a woman..you get viewed as hysterical..if it had been a man, the guy would have been set straight 4 breakdowns ago..and the car would be running like a rocket...
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    ...what's tough is that when you are a woman..you get viewed as hysterical..if it had been a man...

    I can't disagree with that, unfortunately. :(

    It certainly could be a problem with the choke. A strong smell of gas usually indicates a fuel problem. Your situation is slightly complicated by the fact that the engine hasn't run properly since the rebuild. It's a little easier when everything was running fine until a certain point. You know that everything was ok and only a limited number of things could have changed. In your case, there's more that could be wrong as the engine has never run properly.

    However, it really shouldn't that hard to diagnose your problem, but it does need to be a 'hands on' situation.

    P.S. It's not a car! :shades:
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    the guy would have been set straight 4 breakdowns ago

    I wouldn't be so sure about that. Looking over the Forums, you'll see many examples of frustrated owners and calls for invoking Lemon Laws - for all kinds of vehicles. Check out Customer Service: The good, the bad and the ugly!.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    It definitely is not a car...ooops...still have not heard from the mechanic, but hope to soon....this is such b.s..and I couldn't agree with you more...it hasn't run right since it rolled off his driveway...Thanks for your feedback!
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    Now he says the carb isn't getting enough gas, when I flooded it on Sat..thinks it may be the carb or fuel pump..cant hook it up to a diagnostic, because it has no computer,,,it seems to be all guess work...wish I knew of a Jeep expert in northern NJ.....
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    ......cant hook it up to a diagnostic, because it has no computer........

    Good grief, cars were being hooked up to diagnostic machines long before they had on-board computers! I guess you need to find either a shop that's comfortable with older vehicles, or an older tech who understands the basics of an internal combustion engine.

    Anyone who tells you that the carb is flooding because it's not getting enough gas is either treating you like an idiot, or revealing the same about himself.

    For the record, the fuel pump pressure can be checked with a $10 gauge, and the flow can be measured with a graduated beaker from the dollar store. If the pump is found to be out of specification, the fuel filter should be changed before replacing the pump as (i), a blocked filter can cause the same symptoms, and (ii), if the pump does require replacement it would be silly to leave an old filter in the system.
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    See, this is the stuff I don't know...and I feel pretty srupid....he says the carb wasn't getting gas, but I flooded it on Sat...so how can the 2 coincide? How do I even know that the carb was rebuilt? At this point I'm ready to scream....the guy came highly reccomended and has a 79 International that runs.... :mad:
  • boobahboobah Member Posts: 18
    As most of you know from my posts, my Jeep is not in the best hands. Does anyone know of a reputable Jeep repair in Northern NJ? Now I'm getting a fuel pump, but the guy never bothered to call the carb rebuild guy(what does this entail anyhoe..he did not have it more then an hour) :lemon: ...I'l do that tomorrow, but in the future, need someone who really does know what they are doing.
  • markcollmarkcoll Member Posts: 2
    I have an 87 Wrangler with a 4.2, standard trans. Where is the fill plug for the trans.? The manual and Jeep Owners Bible show it on the side. I can't find it, 1 mechanic can't find it. I've had it up on a lift,and it's sure not where the manual shows it. Also, is the drain plug the small allen head plug on the bottom? I've had several standard trans. and have never seen anything like this.

    Thanks!
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    You have the rare, though definitely not valuable, French Peugeot BA10/5 transmission. It was only fitted between '87 and '89 and for very good reason. As long as it runs ok fine, but don't ever spend good money to fix it.

    To answer your question, here a fuzzy pic showing your level/fill plug #16 and washer #17. The drain plug and washer appear to be #21 and #20. The view shows the passenger side, with the rear of the transmission towards the left.

    imageSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

    Here's the LINK if the pic doesn't show.
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