Wouldn't you know it? I have 2 vehicles, a 1986 Nissan truck and a 1986 Jeep Cherokee. In the same week both broke down. The truck developed a serious knock that sounds like it's coming from the vale cover area, but after adjusting the valves the knock remains. I think that a rod pin or something is going out. So that truck is now more or less a parts car. So I'm hoping that the Jeep can be fixed cheaply.

Like I said, it is a 1986 Cherokee. It is a 2.8L 4 cyl engine - I - think and a standard tranny.It has been running just fine since I got it last year. It even passed smog a couple of months prior. Then one day I got into it and it ran like shit. I mean it lost serious power. It felt to me like it wasn't running on all cylinders or wasn't getting enough fuel.

My roommate is a street mechanic and he took a look at it. He changed the fuel filter and while that did make a big difference it still wasn't - and isn't - running right. And my roommate is stumped. He thinks it's something to do with the fuel delivery system, but isn't sure.

Anyone out there have a clue? I really hate being without transportation and don't really have the money to buy a new car [I've tried selling both vehicles for $450 each, but I only got a few bites].

Thanks.

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Where upon Ezekiel said unto the heathen: Nigga please! And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth....Ebonics 4:20

I'm useless at diagnosing car related problems, but if I had to guess, I would say the injectors.

I would assume the fuel filter in some way fucked up, causing shit to get in the injectors or pump. He fixed the fuel filter, which was still fucked up (thus to some extent fixing the problem), but at that point the other whatever-it-was down the line had already been damaged.

But again, I'm just saying this because I'm challenging myself to get it right. Chances are I'm not.

Has the Check Engine light come on?Being a 1986, it would not be OBDII, so you wouldn't get a Check Enging light to illuminate unless a sensor failed completely. You could still have a sensor issue (MAP, TP, EGR, etc.) without the light turning on.

Also, a plugged fuel filter can overwork the fuel pump, resulting in premature failure. Changing the filter may allow a weak pump to run the vehicle, but with insufficient pressure for it to run properly. I would recommend having someone verify your fuel pressure.

It would also help us if you could provide a more detailed description of the symptom. Does it simply lack power? Does it buck/jerk when accelerating? Does it hesitate when taking off from stops?

The more info we have , the better chance we have of diagnosing your problem correctly.

maybe jumped time? not a broken timing belt or chain,just maybe slipped a few teeth on the gear?

Wish they were in NZ I'd pay 900 for both even at the price of your dollar...

The engine light didn't go on.

It's a pressurized fuel system with an overflow that goes back to the tank. My roommate is certain that it isn't the fuel pump as the gas gets to the engine just fine.

It doesn't jump or lurch or anything. It drives like it's laking horsepower. Oh - and it is reluctant to first up on the first start of the day, if that makes a difference.

I had someone suggest that it could be a clogged catalytic converter. You're thoughts on that? I mean like I said it passed smog only a few months prior. Is it possible for one to get clogged that quick [I know nothing about them, so if that sounds like an ignorant question, it probably was].

Edit: Looking under the Jeep, the converter is fucking tiny. And it's welded in so I can't try driving without the converter.

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Where upon Ezekiel said unto the heathen: Nigga please! And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth....Ebonics 4:20

Is the e-brake on?

Is it seriously lacking power, or is it just minor?

Did you check the sparks?

If the symptom occured suddenly, it's not likely that it is the converter. I would be more inclined to agree with tauted, that your timing belt probably jumped a tooth or two. That would explain the lack of power and the hard startup.

Have your friend connect a vacuum gauge to intake manifold vacuum. If the cam timing has retarded, your vacuum will be lower than normal.

I would still recommend checking your fuel pressure with a gauge. Even though the pump may be working, it may not be able to supply the necessary pressure.

my dad had one of those 86's and it was the runt of the fleet. took a full 15 seconds to start in 70 degree temps
carb problems it was if i remember.

i was tired and old so we sold it to a junkyard for $150

No it is not on.

Seriously lacks power. It felt like it was running on only 3 cylinders, but a check found that all 4 were firing.

As for the vacuum Gage and pressure Gage, I'm afraid he has none of those.

It looks like I'm going to have to find a shop I can afford to take it to.

I will keep you posted here. Thanks for the help.

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Where upon Ezekiel said unto the heathen: Nigga please! And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth....Ebonics 4:20