XJ 4.0L engine whines when cold

Matthew Crouse did pass the time by typing:

Your describing a belt driven item.

When it whines, turn the steering wheel to full lock plus a bit. (don't hold it there too long, it's hard on the pump) If you get a real LOUD whine then it might be the bearings on the power steering pump have gone. Next turn on the A/C and listen for any change. If it goes away then it's the A/C clutch or bearing.

As for the rest, those are harder. Usually if the waterpump/fan is going you have a puddle.

Make yourself a mechanics stethoscope. (or buy one)

you slide the plastic over the copper tube. Stick the plastic end up to your ear and touch the suspected componets with the copper end. Just don't get it into the moving parts, that would be bad. :)

With that you can listen to individual things. Like injectors, valves, etc. a very handy tool.

I would be looking hard at the fan clutch. It's a PITA to get a stethascope (or a piece of hose) close enough to it to isolate it but that sounds like something I've heard before - just before the fan outran the rest of the car and had my radiator for lunch.

Also check the air intake. The Cherokee's often had a restrictor that would let in less air, so it had less power. If you check the restrictor it may have shifted, causing a strange whine.

Hardly a restrictor - the ventura is throat is noticably larger than the throttle body bore. That insert uses the air flow to create a vacuum to purge the charcoal canister.

Once again, I'm in the market for a hard top that will fit my 97TJ. I'd prefer something in Oregon or Washington that I can pick up rather than have shipped. If anyone has one, or knows someone who does, please let me know.

Jason

Dude - if you get no response from the group keep doing a search on ebay. I see tops for sale quite often out in your area on there. A little hint do a search for TJ Hardtop & TJ Hard top.

L8r - Jersey

Mines got a hard-top only too, so I'm either going to install an aftermarket sunroof or save for one of those hard targa-tops. Everyone says that they leak but I think the suffering will be worth it.