Jeep Cherokee distributor issue

Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98
Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining
sound that goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but
then placed my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there,
which went away when the sound went away.

Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?

Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor
looked ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the
spark plugs!

Just kidding -- of course I did.

Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
(http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain
where this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past,
and did this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a
little rusty, but not a total amateur.)

Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in
the distributor?

I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save
me $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.

-Paul Bramscher

This can be done with a "claw foot" wrench that's basically a very short
open end wrench that you put a long extension on and then your ratchet. They
come in a set and are sometimes very handy. They also make a distributor
wrench made just for that. Also before pulling the distributor make
absolutly sure you know where the rotor is pointing and don't turn the
engine till the new one is in. You'll also notice that the bolt fits between
two fingers on the distributor and keeps it from turning.

JoBo

"Paul Bramscher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98 Jeep
> Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining sound that
> goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but then placed
> my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there, which went away
> when the sound went away.
>
> Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>
> Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor looked
> ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the spark
> plugs!
>
> Just kidding -- of course I did.
>
> Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
> retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
> (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain where
> this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past, and did
> this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a little rusty,
> but not a total amateur.)
>
> Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
> brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
> way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
> Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in the
> distributor?
>
> I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save me
> $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>
> -Paul Bramscher

You can pick up a distributor wrench at your local auto parts store. This is
a box end wrench that has a bend so it will go under the dist. base and
reach the bolt. They are pretty cheap. Around 15 dollars.
"Paul Bramscher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98 Jeep
> Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining sound that
> goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but then placed
> my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there, which went away
> when the sound went away.
>
> Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>
> Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor looked
> ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the spark
> plugs!
>
> Just kidding -- of course I did.
>
> Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
> retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
> (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain where
> this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past, and did
> this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a little rusty,
> but not a total amateur.)
>
> Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
> brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
> way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
> Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in the
> distributor?
>
> I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save me
> $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>
> -Paul Bramscher

Thanks for the help (both replies). Now that I recall, I did this on an
old Dodge Diplomat when replacing the head gasket. I had the top half
of the engine pretty cleared away and didn't have any problems getting
at the distributor. I priced the job out at a mechanic this morning,
doing it myself will save $150.

The guy here (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) wants you to
mark the direction of the rotor twice. One before you pull it (straight
out), and again after it's done rotating as it comes out. This way, you
rotate it to position before you put it in, it spins, then should be at
the original mark when you re-attach the retaining bolt.

It's been 10+ years since I did this. That sound about right? Two
marks make it a little easier?

Jo Bo wrote:
> This can be done with a "claw foot" wrench that's basically a very short
> open end wrench that you put a long extension on and then your ratchet. They
> come in a set and are sometimes very handy. They also make a distributor
> wrench made just for that. Also before pulling the distributor make
> absolutly sure you know where the rotor is pointing and don't turn the
> engine till the new one is in. You'll also notice that the bolt fits between
> two fingers on the distributor and keeps it from turning.
>
> JoBo
>
> "Paul Bramscher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98 Jeep
>>Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining sound that
>>goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but then placed
>>my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there, which went away
>>when the sound went away.
>>
>>Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>>
>>Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor looked
>>ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the spark
>>plugs!
>>
>>Just kidding -- of course I did.
>>
>>Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
>>retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
>>(http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain where
>>this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past, and did
>>this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a little rusty,
>>but not a total amateur.)
>>
>>Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
>>brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
>>way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
>>Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in the
>>distributor?
>>
>>I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save me
>>$100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>>
>>-Paul Bramscher
>
>
>

Paul
yes those two marks are a lifesaver as the gears are helical cut. wich
means that the rotor will rotate as you slide it back down. You can
forgo the second on if you want but will require trial and error to get
the right tooth.
Sean
78 cj
304
t400
quadracrap..er trac.


Paul Bramscher wrote:
> Thanks for the help (both replies). Now that I recall, I did this on an
> old Dodge Diplomat when replacing the head gasket. I had the top half
> of the engine pretty cleared away and didn't have any problems getting
> at the distributor. I priced the job out at a mechanic this morning,
> doing it myself will save $150.
>
> The guy here (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) wants you to
> mark the direction of the rotor twice. One before you pull it (straight
> out), and again after it's done rotating as it comes out. This way, you
> rotate it to position before you put it in, it spins, then should be at
> the original mark when you re-attach the retaining bolt.
>
> It's been 10+ years since I did this. That sound about right? Two
> marks make it a little easier?
>
> Jo Bo wrote:
>
>> This can be done with a "claw foot" wrench that's basically a very
>> short open end wrench that you put a long extension on and then your
>> ratchet. They come in a set and are sometimes very handy. They also
>> make a distributor wrench made just for that. Also before pulling the
>> distributor make absolutly sure you know where the rotor is pointing
>> and don't turn the engine till the new one is in. You'll also notice
>> that the bolt fits between two fingers on the distributor and keeps it
>> from turning.
>>
>> JoBo
>>
>> "Paul Bramscher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>> Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98
>>> Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining
>>> sound that goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt,
>>> but then placed my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations
>>> there, which went away when the sound went away.
>>>
>>> Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>>>
>>> Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor
>>> looked ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of
>>> the spark plugs!
>>>
>>> Just kidding -- of course I did.
>>>
>>> Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
>>> retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
>>> (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain
>>> where this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the
>>> past, and did this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago.
>>> (I'm a little rusty, but not a total amateur.)
>>>
>>> Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
>>> brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with
>>> no way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too
>>> tall. Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt
>>> holding in the distributor?
>>>
>>> I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably
>>> save me $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>>>
>>> -Paul Bramscher
>>
>>
>>
>>

Smart guy... Yes, two marks make the replacement *much* easier...

On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 08:24:24 -0600, Paul Bramscher
<[email protected]> wrote:

>The guy here (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) wants you to
>mark the direction of the rotor twice. One before you pull it (straight
>out), and again after it's done rotating as it comes out. This way, you
>rotate it to position before you put it in, it spins, then should be at
>the original mark when you re-attach the retaining bolt.
>

Common problem Paul. The dist. shaft bushings get dry and the dist. makes a
high pitched squeal or wine. You can test it by spraying penetrating oil
down the shaft into the bushing. This is a temp fix to confirm the problem.
Or remove dist. remove the plug on the side of the dist.. Push grease in the
hole, and silicone seal the hole closed. Try this before replacing the dist.


"Paul Bramscher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98 Jeep
> Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining sound that
> goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but then placed
> my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there, which went away
> when the sound went away.
>
> Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>
> Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor looked
> ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the spark
> plugs!
>
> Just kidding -- of course I did.
>
> Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
> retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
> (http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain where
> this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past, and did
> this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a little rusty,
> but not a total amateur.)
>
> Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
> brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
> way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
> Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in the
> distributor?
>
> I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save me
> $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>
> -Paul Bramscher

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 21:05:38 -0600, Paul Bramscher
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98
>Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining
>sound that goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but
>then placed my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there,
>which went away when the sound went away.
>
>Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
>
>Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor
>looked ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the
>spark plugs!
>
>Just kidding -- of course I did.
>
>Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
>retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
>(http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain
>where this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past,
>and did this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a
>little rusty, but not a total amateur.)
>
>Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
>brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
>way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
>Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in
>the distributor?
>
>I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save
>me $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
>
>-Paul Bramscher
The distributor on our (ex) 95 Wrangler went in the same way.
I am 54 years old and cannot remember having had another distributor
go bad. I can't even remember a friend who had a distributor go bad.

That Dodge product was the worst vehicle we ever had. Poor mileage,
ate manual transmissions, leaky in the rain, hard to get parts for
(and expensive), poor handling on the highway, too many blind spots.
The worst was that although the heater could melt the boots right off
your feet you sit in a one layer thick, un insulated tin can and you
can see your breath most days all winter long. Barely had enough
power to defrost it's own windshield.

Can't remember how I changed it but the job was done in the driveway
since the 35 mile tow job is too expensive to suit me.

-
Regards
Gordie

Engineers should be forced to work on some of the crap we produce!
You probably found the right bolt - forward and toward the block from
the distributor. I think I was able to get mine out with a wobble
extension and a short set of 1/4 inch sockets I have, but it may have
been one of those "get a short wrench on it and grunt" deals.

I've have the bushings go in a couple of distributors over the years,
but not often. Usually, the GM ones just keep getting sloppier over
time. Anyway, once you get hold of the bolt, it attaches a hold down
shoe. Remove the bolt and shoe, then the distributor pulls straight
out. Thinking back, the hard part was getting that @#$% bolt back in.
I put in in the hole in the clamp shoe then used that to get it
positioned. PITA, for sure. At least you don't have to mess with it
to adjust timing, but watch replacing the distributor - it's common to
get it in one tooth off on the drive gear and the computer can't
adjust the timing that way.

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 03:31:49 UTC The Nolalu Barn Owl
<[email protected]> wrote:

> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 21:05:38 -0600, Paul Bramscher
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98
> >Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining
> >sound that goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but
> >then placed my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there,
> >which went away when the sound went away.
> >
> >Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
> >
> >Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor
> >looked ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the
> >spark plugs!
> >
> >Just kidding -- of course I did.
> >
> >Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
> >retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
> >(http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain
> >where this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past,
> >and did this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a
> >little rusty, but not a total amateur.)
> >
> >Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
> >brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
> >way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
> >Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in
> >the distributor?
> >
> >I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save
> >me $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
> >
> >-Paul Bramscher
> The distributor on our (ex) 95 Wrangler went in the same way.
> I am 54 years old and cannot remember having had another distributor
> go bad. I can't even remember a friend who had a distributor go bad.
>
> That Dodge product was the worst vehicle we ever had. Poor mileage,
> ate manual transmissions, leaky in the rain, hard to get parts for
> (and expensive), poor handling on the highway, too many blind spots.
> The worst was that although the heater could melt the boots right off
> your feet you sit in a one layer thick, un insulated tin can and you
> can see your breath most days all winter long. Barely had enough
> power to defrost it's own windshield.
>
> Can't remember how I changed it but the job was done in the driveway
> since the 35 mile tow job is too expensive to suit me.
>
> -
> Regards
> Gordie


--
Will Honea

Bud you are answering a post from 2004. If he didn't get the bolt off
by now......

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

The Nolalu Barn Owl wrote:
>
> On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 21:05:38 -0600, Paul Bramscher
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Winter's finally hit us here in Minnesota. When I go to start my '98
> >Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, 100K miles) there's a high pitched wining
> >sound that goes away in 2-3 minutes. I first assumed it was a belt, but
> >then placed my hand on the distributor cap. I felt vibrations there,
> >which went away when the sound went away.
> >
> >Does this sound like the distributor is starting to go?
> >
> >Tonight I took the distributor cap off the Jeep. The cap and rotor
> >looked ok. Then I realized that I didn't take note of the order of the
> >spark plugs!
> >
> >Just kidding -- of course I did.
> >
> >Here's the problem. In order to take out the whole distributor the
> >retaining bolt needs to come out. I found a good reference here
> >(http://members.cox.net/wilsond/distributor/) but he doesn't explain
> >where this bolt is. I've done a fair amount of auto work in the past,
> >and did this on a '79 straight-6 Dodge about a decade ago. (I'm a
> >little rusty, but not a total amateur.)
> >
> >Anyway, I believe I see the retainer bolt but -- aren't engineers
> >brilliant? -- the bolt sits mostly under the distributor itself, with no
> >way to really get a wrench in there, and my sockets are all too tall.
> >Anyone have a suggestion on how to get at the friggin' bolt holding in
> >the distributor?
> >
> >I'm willing to buy a new tool, since doing this job will probably save
> >me $100. Just can't figure out what will do the trick. Thanks.
> >
> >-Paul Bramscher
> The distributor on our (ex) 95 Wrangler went in the same way.
> I am 54 years old and cannot remember having had another distributor
> go bad. I can't even remember a friend who had a distributor go bad.
>
> That Dodge product was the worst vehicle we ever had. Poor mileage,
> ate manual transmissions, leaky in the rain, hard to get parts for
> (and expensive), poor handling on the highway, too many blind spots.
> The worst was that although the heater could melt the boots right off
> your feet you sit in a one layer thick, un insulated tin can and you
> can see your breath most days all winter long. Barely had enough
> power to defrost it's own windshield.
>
> Can't remember how I changed it but the job was done in the driveway
> since the 35 mile tow job is too expensive to suit me.
>
> -
> Regards
> Gordie