Where do I start on this...

[Darin]

Yesterday driving back from a river trip towing my cataraft on a flatbed, (light load), I started noticing a lot less power. Details are: (89) GW

1. Rough idle, almost like a miss, when in drive or low power band.
2. Smooth idle in park.
3. Tune up less than 4K
4. TFI 2K ago
5. A lot of power missing.

I realize that's not a lot to go on, but all I can think to do is pull each plug individually to make sure it's not spark. (90% sure it's not cause the smooth curb idle).

Then what? spray carb cleaner around the carb and top end to look for a vacuum leak?

I guess my real question is, if the carb was adjusted and running smooth, and I never touched it to cause this, should I mess with it.

Thanks for any advice.

[joe]

I'd start with the easy stuff like checking "all" your vacuum lines to/from everything including the x-case/switch hoses. If you even suspect a dry old hose replace it.
If your carb was sucking air around the base I would suspect you'd have a noticable increase in RPM.
How old is your catalitic converter? When they finally plug up it'll run more sluggish and eventually no power at all.

[Darin]

Catalytic converter is brand new. ~1,000 miles along with the muffler.

You do raise a good question though. Before I noticed the power loss and crappy running, I started noticing a change in the exhaust sound. I remember thinking that I needed to check things out down there.

RPMs are all correct, no change there, that is why I don't think I have an issue with the carb.

[<jeepguzzi>]

Check the heat riser valve in the exhaust, it may be stuck in the closed position ;)

[<ernzo>]

Mine did that, thought of everything. Would barely idle, and the minute I put it in gear, bam. Quit.

It was the ignition module.

[Darin]

All great suggestions, and I'm sure each and every one of those ailments will eventually get me, (don't mean to tempt the jeep gods) but alas it was a plug wire that was damaged.

Seems that my brand new MSD wires just don't quite fit in places. The brake booster ( I guess that is what the large round canister between the reservior and the fire wall is) cut into the plug wire just behind the boot and it was grounding out on it.

I guess I feel kind of dumb on that one, but it did only take about 1 minute to find it when I got home last night.