Troubleshooting
From NNYOffroad
This section is dedicated to troubleshooting techniques for the odd problems that may arise.
Contents |
Engine
Vacuum Leaks
- See below for stethoscope method (Under Engine Noises)
- Other options can include unplug one-by-one and cap; if it is an obvious leaking noise, when it disappears, you've found the right line. Replace it promptly.
Electrical
General
- Get yourself a Chiltons, Haynes, or factory service manual. The latter is preferred (we even have a link to an FSM for 1993 Toyota trucks in the links page :). All voltage/resistance specs and part numbers should be listed.
- Get yourself a good multimeter and learn how to properly use it. The manual for the device is a good start.
Fluid-Related
Oil Leaks
From experience, I've found that a persistant oil leak can be easily located in most case if your engine bay is clean of debris (ie. parts/accessories).
My conditions were like this:
- Engine leaking oil from an unknown place on the passenger's side.
- Oil covered most of the engine front to back, only on that side.
- Spray from it ended up everywhere, including the exhaust pipe which began to smoke with a fury.
- Not easy to track down because it persisted like this and was not a visible hole.
- Leaked about 1qt per ~50 miles, varied with engine RPM and relative load.
Steps to resolve were like this:
- Bought a can of heavy duty engine degreaser from the local auto parts store.
- Applied to the entire engine (both sides, just for consistancy.
- Rinsed thoroughly and let dry in the sun.
- Drove hard for ~3miles and let sit for a second, then opened hood to inspect.
- Looked on passenger's side of engine bay for an obviously fresh wet spot covered in oil, found it on the dipstick feed tube.
- In progress of resolving by removing the dipstick and threading the feeder tube, then adding a removable cap (ie. thumbscrew on a sealed cap).
- This should hopefully prevent it from leaking out the top; the bottom does not appear to leak, but this will be cleaned and observed over the next few days.
- If the leak persists, I will clean again and seal with RTV the connecting point of the tube with the block.
Blow-By
Jeep Cherokee (4.0L)
On the Jeep Cherokee with the MPFI 4.0L engine, it can be said that you eventually WILL have an oil-soaked air filter,
and it will eventually make your vehicle run like garbage.. Did some digging and found this helpful article describing
the problem and some potential resolutions:
Cherokee America
Noises
General
- The only thing I can say about strange engine noises is: try to isolate it as much as possible by ear in a quiet place where the background will not interfere or throw your senses out of line.
- Buy a stethoscope. Usually available at any decent auto parts store, with either a regular diaphragm sensor or a long angled tube. The tube works best for hard to reach places.
- If you need to ask for help, make sure you can clearly describe the noise and attempt to relate it to something in, say, analogy form.
Drivetrain
Vacuum
Electrical
Fluid-Related
Noises
Other Electrical
Chassis
Interior
--Jontow 15:52, 27 March 2006 (EST)
