Found a low mileage, mint condition donor engine from 97 ZJ Grand Cherokee ZJ. Decided to swap to my XJ.
Was previously ordered XJ Enginetech timing chain (TS4160), timing damper (D337) and gasket kit (J24247) for my old 370,000+ km engine from
RockAuto.com, but once found a good engine, went to other direction.
Ready to remove engine from donor ZJ
Accessories removed, alternator, A/C compressor, coolant pump, thermostat housing and power steering pump.Ready to pull engine, trans and transmission all together.
Found a lots of gel like gunk in coolant galleys, probably previous owner is mixed coolant types. Will clean/wash later after installation.
Pulled and started cleaning of oil, dirt etc
Timing chain inspected, it was little loose and damper became very hard & brittle, broken from one end.
Installed timing chain kit, actually it made for previous model 242s, but fit perfectly.
Oil pan removed, inspected. There was no metal shavings, dirt etc. Good sign.
Oil filter adapter direction is not suitable for my engine bay. If it left as this, I cannot use bigger size oil filter and very difficult to reach. Will replace with one from old engine and oil filter will be vertical.
Preparing to remove old engine. Decided to pull engine only, without transmission etc.
Intake and exhaust installed and now engine is put back.
Using top mount alternator bracket, now my alternator sits at topmost position, A/C compressor eliminated, coolant pump, thermostat housing and power steering pump installed. Now 2 points for belt tightening, at alternator and on power steering pump too. Measured required belt length, 1,920mm.
As planned before, coolant gunk flushed :
1) radiator inlet and outlet pipes also connected directly.
2) engine filled with water and dishwasher soap solution
3) heater core hoses connected directly
Start engine, wait till thermostat open, then turn off. Disconnect lower coolant pipe to drain. Wait till engine cool down and repeat 2 times with water only. Now I am pretty sure there was no debris, gunk left and going forward to install radiator , grille, lights etc.
Almost finished, winch and bumper waiting me.
After all, engine sounds nice, exhaust is good without any unusual smell. Hope it will produce more power and not be too hungry ;)
