Recent content by AZ Jeff

Three letters---OME

You have an 0331 head on your2001 model. I would only replace it with the improved "TUPY" head, and not another 0331.

That oil cap indicates a LOT of moisture in the crankcase. I would have the oil tested for the presence of coolant, and/or the coolant tested for the presence of hydrocarbons (oil). I am betting your head is cracked. The 0331 head usually cracks after an overheating episode......

Agreed. That box needs some work. Given the ease of finding a good used (or new/reman) replacement, I would go that route.

The straight six rocker cover is prone to warpage if overtightened. Once this happens, it may be difficult to get it to seat properly. Have you checked the cover for flatness?

I just fabricated a couple of new tabs with some aluminum strip stock and a pop rivet gun to attach them to the plastic fan frame when mine broke off.

Your biggest concern would be if the inside of the caliper bore where the piston rides has any substantial rust. In that case, a rebuild kit won't fix the issue.

The DID have the spring tension when they were new. The casting that attaches to the motor shaft has a feature in it to attach the spring. It tends to break on the older style arms, especially if they corrode. A new replacement arm for an XJ will have the spring.

Your 1991 has a GM steering column, and it's been a while since I fully dismantled one of those but..... I seem to remember there is a regular steel pushrod that is connected at both the top to a cast cam lever. I wonder if that cast part is damaged. You may need to disassemble the steering...

My 2000 with the Chryco 8.25 developed a real loud droning sound that turned out to be a bad wheel bearing. When I pulled it apart, my first clue to the problem was metal flakes in the drained axle lube. Then, once I pulled the axle shafts, I found that one axle had "brinnelled", (there were...

Have you searched for a pre-97 FSM on line? If you do, that will describe is gory detail exactly how to remove the dash on a pre-97.

That's an old-time mechanics trick that is pretty effective, as you have discovered.

The brake boosters on the non-ABS XJ should all interchange between a 97 thru 2001. I would go for a late-model booster from a junkyard, as booster's generally don't go bad, at least not on a 2001 in a boneyard. If that fails, try a reman from NAPA.

IF you don't disconnect the lines to the MC, no bleeding would be needed.

It sounds like you have a failed booster, but here is the sure-fire test: With the engine off, pump the brake pedal about 10 times, until it becomes rock hard, and does not move much. On the last pump, hold the pedal down firmly, then start the engine. As the engine starts, the pedal should...