79Chief79
05-17-2010, 09:23 AM
Hello to everyone from a new FSJ owner in Alberta Canada!
I recently purchased a 1979 Cherokee Chief WT from a local guy and have a few issues to deal with. The PO was using it as a toy on his farm, ran it out of gas and decided that filling it with farm grade Diesel was a good idea. It has the 360 w/TH400 and Qtrac Transfer case. When I bought it ( cheaply I might add) the engine was smoking a little, I was hoping at the time it was due to the Diesel, but its since been drained, carb rebuilt and still has the tell tale signs of a bad top end ( slight white smoke coming out of the oil filler tube ) Not horrible, but a little is enough.
Aside from that, If I put it in gear, the engine sputters and wants to die out which to this point Im thinking is more than likely the Torque converter. I have drained the Tranny fluid , changed filters and refilled. If I 2 foot the chief she will stay running, and I did take her for a spin around a couple blocks where she shifted fine and seemed to have good power.
Heres what Ive done to her so far,
1. drained all the Diesel ( and there was alot, almost half a tank )
2. rebuilt the carb, changed fuel filter
3. Changed Tranny filter and fluid
4. Removed the rear window, rebuilt and cleaned the power widow assembly ( channels and all ) smashed the back window because I was too stupid to put the rear window all the way down and shut the tailgate,( momentary stupidity moment....dont ask) and replaced the glass
Here are my questions.......
1. Engine.... I havent done a comp test yet, but there is the bit of smoke coming up out the filler tube. Im guessing rings and seals. So do I drive it until it gets too bad or do I pick up an available 360 from an 80 Wag thats running great for 500 bucks and rebuild the 360 at a later date?
2. Tranny / Torque converter. Im assuming the Torque converter is the reason for my stalling as it seems to drive and shift fine once I get the ole girl moving. I do have a converter handy from a 360 to 727 trans, but I believe its a locker and if memory serves the TH400 is not, not to mention Im guessing I cant just swap them because of the different Transmissions.... Any input on this?
Aside from all this, I know the vac lines arent all in the greatest shape, but they will be changed out soon along with alot of other minor fixes, but I figure I should get the major work out of the way first....
I know i have a long road ahead of me, but Ive always been a big fan of the older jeeps ( have owned an 80 cj, 88 cherokee, currently own a 90 cherokee and cant wait to rebuild the Chief and get her a new lease on life. Im no master mechanic but I know my way around a wrench. Any input is greatly appreciated be it Technical or Opinionated. Thanks in advance for the help!!!
I recently purchased a 1979 Cherokee Chief WT from a local guy and have a few issues to deal with. The PO was using it as a toy on his farm, ran it out of gas and decided that filling it with farm grade Diesel was a good idea. It has the 360 w/TH400 and Qtrac Transfer case. When I bought it ( cheaply I might add) the engine was smoking a little, I was hoping at the time it was due to the Diesel, but its since been drained, carb rebuilt and still has the tell tale signs of a bad top end ( slight white smoke coming out of the oil filler tube ) Not horrible, but a little is enough.
Aside from that, If I put it in gear, the engine sputters and wants to die out which to this point Im thinking is more than likely the Torque converter. I have drained the Tranny fluid , changed filters and refilled. If I 2 foot the chief she will stay running, and I did take her for a spin around a couple blocks where she shifted fine and seemed to have good power.
Heres what Ive done to her so far,
1. drained all the Diesel ( and there was alot, almost half a tank )
2. rebuilt the carb, changed fuel filter
3. Changed Tranny filter and fluid
4. Removed the rear window, rebuilt and cleaned the power widow assembly ( channels and all ) smashed the back window because I was too stupid to put the rear window all the way down and shut the tailgate,( momentary stupidity moment....dont ask) and replaced the glass
Here are my questions.......
1. Engine.... I havent done a comp test yet, but there is the bit of smoke coming up out the filler tube. Im guessing rings and seals. So do I drive it until it gets too bad or do I pick up an available 360 from an 80 Wag thats running great for 500 bucks and rebuild the 360 at a later date?
2. Tranny / Torque converter. Im assuming the Torque converter is the reason for my stalling as it seems to drive and shift fine once I get the ole girl moving. I do have a converter handy from a 360 to 727 trans, but I believe its a locker and if memory serves the TH400 is not, not to mention Im guessing I cant just swap them because of the different Transmissions.... Any input on this?
Aside from all this, I know the vac lines arent all in the greatest shape, but they will be changed out soon along with alot of other minor fixes, but I figure I should get the major work out of the way first....
I know i have a long road ahead of me, but Ive always been a big fan of the older jeeps ( have owned an 80 cj, 88 cherokee, currently own a 90 cherokee and cant wait to rebuild the Chief and get her a new lease on life. Im no master mechanic but I know my way around a wrench. Any input is greatly appreciated be it Technical or Opinionated. Thanks in advance for the help!!!