4.0L HO Jeep Engine Build

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These are the lift points that I use to hoist the engine. I'm darn glad I remembered since I pulled this thing back in November. Needless to say I did the garage wander/rummage for quite some time before I found some of my parts, lol. I bagged and tagged most everything but stuff gets moved around over the months and memory fades, especially when it comes to very similiar style sensors/bolts/mounts, etc.. I wish I had the space for steel racks and plastic tubs where everything can be stored. That was the method I used back in the day when I was restoring motocyles and it still applies quite well.

Note the very small coolant temp sensor that mounts in the head by the rear chain lift point. I damn near forgot that piece and it's one more reason to pay attention to detail and slow down when your not at 100%.

Here I am, ready to drop that sucker in. I still have to get a oil filter, oil pressure sensor ( the oild one was whacked) and some Vavloline 10W-40 to break this thing in. I already have some Hughes break in additive and remember that there is a flat tappet cam in these things so they have to be broken in like any other flat tappet V-8.

Pic 1356, 1357, 1369

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Whoops! This little server outage tonight threw me out of whack. I just made a word doc with the info so I could just copy and paste when server came back up. I forgot to add this...

The Ford/Bosch 4 hole injectors are a straight swap over and use the same EV-1 connectors so no splicing is necessary. The o-rings from the gasket kit swap right over and here I like to use a light oil rather than grease to prevent any grease from blocking the injector filter screen on start up. Lean is bad. Also, keep in mind that it's easier to install the injectors on the rail first then install the rail and injectors on the manifold.

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I sure as shoot would like to hear this run tomorrow but much work remains to be done. Time to catch some z's.....
 
If you'd like a second pair of eyes/hands for the drop, let me know. My schedule remains in a vapor-like state.
 
Thanks dok. I'm just hanging out searching parts. My old radiator had a pinhole leak in the plastic tank so I'm just hanging out waiting for AZ to open and loading up on Java.
 
Here's a little something I found I thought might help. :) Part number is 1724 and it is a BBK item. IAC and TPS bolt right on. Stock is 58mm.

So this bolted straight on with no modifications?!?!?! hmmmm........ thats gets my brain turning again about my 4.0L haha:cheers:
 
So this bolted straight on with no modifications?!?!?! hmmmm........ thats gets my brain turning again about my 4.0L haha:cheers:

Yep, it's a bolt on. Just move the IAC and the TPS make sure the throttle lever doesn't hit the manifold. Not sure how much gain this would be worth on a tired stock engine but I have heard reports of an increase in throttle response.

I didn't get the engine running yet but I'm really close. A big thanks is in order to Doktor_x who was kind enough to drop by and give me a much needed hand. We were both covered in grease from head to toe by the time we got this engine in and it took a lot of wiggling and resetting the lift chain to get everything to align. These engines are really long and for some reason I was thinking that with this thing in the air on the lift and ready to drop in, it looked like an aircraft engine, lol.

Dok also stuck around to help just getting things bolts bolted up, to rotate the crank while I stuck the TC bolts in, etc. Thanks again Dok and the dinner I bought just didn't seem to be enough for all the help on Sunday. It was hot and dirty work and you never complained even once. Next time, drop on by on a Saturday and I'll make some Margaritas!

Here's a list of what I have left to do:

Torque front suspension bolts (no point in doing this without the engine weight on the front).

Add a small piece of vacuum line for the accesories (the new manifold has the vacuum taps in a different location).

Drill a hole for and mount the fuel line bracket.

Drop the old exhaust and install the new.

Install the airbox and battery.

Install the A/C compressor and bracket and get the belt on.

Install the radiator and hoses.

Get the hitch and fuel tank skidplate back on.

Fill it up with oil and coolant and fire this sucker up! :-D
 
A big THANK YOU goes out to Doktor_x =D>=D>
Thank you for helping Joe on the engine install :rock:
I know what it's like doing it by your self :shock::shock: nearly imposable
I bet yall was happy to get that long tall 4.? in :colors:
I spent my Sunday with my granddaughter and recovering from Bone Stock Fest :rock::drinkers:
I don't even think I got on the computer
I did do an oil change on Victoria today about 6pm when it was cool outside.

Glad to hear it's in ramcharger :eek:ccasion::eek:ccasion:
 
Can't wait to see what ya got. you going to dyno it?

Most likely not, too pricey. I'll know by the way it drives.

A big THANK YOU goes out to Doktor_x =D>=D>
Thank you for helping Joe on the engine install :rock:
I know what it's like doing it by your self :shock::shock: nearly imposable
I bet yall was happy to get that long tall 4.? in :colors:
I spent my Sunday with my granddaughter and recovering from Bone Stock Fest :rock::drinkers:
I don't even think I got on the computer
I did do an oil change on Victoria today about 6pm when it was cool outside.

Glad to hear it's in ramcharger :eek:ccasion::eek:ccasion:

Thanks Mike! Glad to hear you enjoyed your Sunday. 8)
 
Man, you have come a long ways since I last checked on this thread!
There is SO much good info here! I am going to print the thing when you are done and stick it in a file!
Thanks for putting in the time to take pics and tell us what you are doing.

I can't wait to hear it run either.
 
Man, you have come a long ways since I last checked on this thread!
There is SO much good info here! I am going to print the thing when you are done and stick it in a file!
Thanks for putting in the time to take pics and tell us what you are doing.

I can't wait to hear it run either.

Thank you 340! Where the heck you been hiding anyway? :clock: How's Duster the dog doing?

Monday night was a wash as I had to do laundry and go get groceries then deal with some work stuff.

Last night I drilled the the fuel line bracket so it would fit on the later manifold. All I had to do was remove the bracket from the lines, drill a single hole then bolt it on the lines and manifold.

Installed one new trans line. These use quick connect snap fittings and they came out relatively easy and seemed to be in fine shape so I don't expect any leaks.

I started torqueing the control arm bolts and one snapped. It was a tight fit to get the torque wrench on there with the engine in and I think I just had a bad angle on it. The rest of the bolts torqued just fine. I suppose it could've just been weak too. If it was, better to find out now than on the road. It still pissed me off though and the dogs went running out of the garage while I let loose with a stream of profanity. Hopefully I'll have a chance to drop by the stealership today so they can ream me for 20 bucks for a bolt.

I also installed a section of vacuum line as the vacuum taps are not in the original location. After that I put in the new power steering lines. The originals fit fine after a bit of hand bending so they wouldn't hit the ps pump resevior, airbox or fuel lines. It took maybe 5 minutes to get it right, no big deal.

I expect to have this thing running this coming Saturday morning if all goes well. I want to be fresh and ready to react if something goes wrong. Nothing should, but there's always that chance.

As far as how it will sound, I'm expecting it sound very stock as far as the idle is concerned. It will still be music to my ears after all this hard work though and should have a bit a of rap to it with the tighter lobe centers, increased compression and free flowing exhaust when on the throttle. It's no cammed small block so don't be too dissapointed guys.... :read2:

Like I said earlier, stock SAE hp rating on these was 190hp. I would be thrilled to have 210hp at the crank and freakin' ecstatic to have 220hp. After all, that's late 80's mustang gt territory with a liter less displacement. :read2: I think the 220 mark could have been had with a cam change and I'm pretty sure that the hp achievable here is cam limited, so I think 210 is reasonable number. Maybe I'll have it chassis dynoed sometime in the future.
 
Sounds like you got allot dun :happy10:
I remember snapping a bolt on my timing chain cover on my red 73 Challenger 318 :banghead::cussing:
I never found that ratchet and extension :scratch:
the thrills of being a shad tree wrench turner I guess 8)
It took flight in to the woods around my old home place about 15 years ago.
It's amazing how much strength you have when something like that happens ain't it, I bet it went 75 yards and took some tree limbs out
Keep up the good work Joe, I still think 40 more HP =P~:cheers:
 
Sounds like you got allot dun :happy10:
I remember snapping a bolt on my timing chain cover on my red 73 Challenger 318 :banghead::cussing:
I never found that ratchet and extension :scratch:
the thrills of being a shad tree wrench turner I guess 8)
It took flight in to the woods around my old home place about 15 years ago.
It's amazing how much strength you have when something like that happens ain't it, I bet it went 75 yards and took some tree limbs out
Keep up the good work Joe, I still think 40 more HP =P~:cheers:

LMAO! I bet someone finds that ratchet 100 years from now and wonders what the heck happened.... :read2: My snap-off torque wrench is way too expensive to launch but I certainly did think about it. :snakeman: I'll have a better idea of what happened once I get the old bolt out. I used to have my T wrench's calibrated every 5 years or so when I was wrenching professionaly but it's been a while....

Thank you for your confidence in my work Mike. :) We shall see.
 
:thumbup: Great detailed build in this thread ramcharger. Can't wait to hear you say that puppy is runnin' LOL ;). Sounds like a trip to the midwest w/ a trailer is coming up?

Kudos to doktor_X for helping ya' :help: =D>
 
:thumbup: Great detailed build in this thread ramcharger. Can't wait to hear you say that puppy is runnin' LOL ;). Sounds like a trip to the midwest w/ a trailer is coming up?

Kudos to doktor_X for helping ya' :help: =D>

The Dok was tremndously helpful and dove right in without a thought as to how greasy he'd get. With the multiple leaks from one trans line, the engine itself and the power steering pressure hose, this thing had a generous coating of Mopar rust proofing.

Yep, I'll pulling back the vintage Bethany Teepee popup camper trailer from northern WI. 8) I did a little searching and found that it only weighs 700 lbs.
 
Any side trips to Tennessee planned???

I wish I had the time. I mapquested it and it would put me about 500 miles out my way. I am planning a trip to Florida later in the year and you will definitely be one of my stops. 8)

BTW all, I did a 12 hr. day today and starting to work on the Heep would be a bad idea. I'll get started on it tomorrow morning early.

I have to:

1: Install and torque the new upper control arm bolt.

2: Install the radiator hoses and fill with straight water (I always do straight water on a new build for multiple reasons).

3: Install the gas tank skid plate and hitch (they use the same bolts pretty much).

4: Remove the old exhaust crap and install the rockin' cool new Magnaflow cat and Dynaflow exhaust.

5: Fill with additive and prime the oil system.

6: Drop the battery in.

7: Turn the key...........
 
Hay Joe,

I hope you got a good nights rest and all things are going smooth on the assembly and run in!! I had given thought of coming to town today and checking it out however the weekend didn't pan out that way. Let us know how it's going and with the fact you haven't been on today I would guess you're out plugging away on the XJ!
Kim
 
The way he has been moving on this build I bet he is :happy10:
It was a VERY!!! Hot day here in Arkansas, I stayed in and did nothing 8)
 
Hay Joe,

I hope you got a good nights rest and all things are going smooth on the assembly and run in!! I had given thought of coming to town today and checking it out however the weekend didn't pan out that way. Let us know how it's going and with the fact you haven't been on today I would guess you're out plugging away on the XJ!
Kim

The way he has been moving on this build I bet he is :happy10:
It was a VERY!!! Hot day here in Arkansas, I stayed in and did nothing 8)

I started back on the Jeep on Saturday but got called to work again. My buddy Shawn dropped by to show off some work he did on his truck and we had a couple drinks and shot the **** for awhile. He split around 9 to meet up with his woman so I figured it was time to get back to work.

I got the exhaust up and on and slid the battery in and the lights started to flash in time with the Nazareth song on the radio "Now your messing' with a son of a *****". I thought it was hilarious so I got a quick movie. :toothy10: It was the the factory alarm flashing the lights BTW.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bffMVc3oh7Y"]YouTube- Christine Jeep.AVI[/ame]

Little did I know how true this was. About midnight or so I slipped the key in and it sounded like it wanted to start but just couldn't quite get there. I worked on that SOB until 4:30 in the morning, checking and rechecking everything and it was all by the book. I just didn't understand what the freaking problem was. The birds started chirping so I figured I'd sleep on it...:angry7:
 
I started back on the Jeep on Saturday but got called to work again. My buddy Shawn dropped by to show off some work he did on his truck and we had a couple drinks and shot the **** for awhile. He split around 9 to meet up with his woman so I figured it was time to get back to work.

I got the exhaust up and on and slid the battery in and the lights started to flash in time with the Nazareth song on the radio "Now your messing' with a son of a *****". I thought it was hilarious so I got a quick movie. :toothy10: It was the the factory alarm flashing the lights BTW.

YouTube- Christine Jeep.AVI

Little did I know how true this was. About midnight or so I slipped the key in and it sounded like it wanted to start but just couldn't quite get there. I worked on that SOB until 4:30 in the morning, checking and rechecking everything and it was all by the book. I just didn't understand what the freaking problem was. The birds started chirping so I figured I'd sleep on it...:angry7:


Sorry to hear about the complications Joe,

Spark, Fuel, rear crank sensor??? When I rebuilt the engine in my 90 I bled out the injector rail before hand and was lucky enough to have it start right up. If you need someone to knock ideas around with call me or PM me or I could come down Saturday as two heads are better than one!
 
Doktor_X showed up at my door around noon to check on me and I was sprawled over the couch in greasy clothes after the all night thrash. He gave me some words of encouragement and gave myself a quick face splashing in the sink, put a pot of coffee on, changed my clothes and off to the garage again.

Once again the Dok comes to my rescue. Having another pair of eyes and someone to bounce questions of off is an invaluable resource. We checked this, that, the other thing and 20 other things when I came up with a theory. Since the installed centerline of this cam from the factory is a full 10 degrees advanced from the original, maybe if I added one tooth more to the cam position sensor/distributor, it would fire. I told Dok "if this isn't it, I'm done for the day".

Lo and Behold, it fires immediately! Yeeee Haaaa! Apparently the computer was wigging out due to the advanced cam installation. The rotor is now just PAST the number one position on the cap at TDC which is not where it was when I checked it during disassembly nor where the manual says it should be. Remember that on this engine, the computer controls the timing via a crank position sensor and the distributor incorporates a cam position sensor and distributes the spark and that's it. What a PITA. I now understand why they went with coil packs on the later models.

Anyway, the engine sounds very truckish at idle but takes on a different character above 1200 rpm. The throttle response is incredible and unlike any Jeep I've had the pleasure to drive. I can't wait to get this sucker on the road. :)

I'm trying to get the vid up on youtube but it's taking forever.....

I'm freaking beat. My back hurts, my ankles hurt, my hands hurt, lol.

Here it is! It sounds like a 6 cyl BMW when I'm on the throttle:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOHe9vWWQ60"]YouTube- JeepSSBuildDynomax.AVI[/ame]
 
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