1986 Jeep Cherokee Base, 2D Utility, 2.1 B, RWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Cold Start System

  1. With engine cold (not started for at least 3 hours), verify that idle control lever is resting on lever stop. If lever is okay, go to next step. If lever is not resting on stop, loosen set screw and turn clevis 1/4 turn. See Fig 1.
  2. Rotate crankshaft clockwise 2 revolutions, remove screw plug from TDC access hole in cylinder block, and install TDC Rod. See Figure. Move timing control lever to detent position. Ensure clearance between timing control lever and lever stop is .020 in. (.5 mm).
    Fig 1: Adjusting Cold Start System
    G10576
  3. If necessary, adjust clearance by turning stop lever screw. Insert a .2561 in. (6.5 mm) shim between control lever and lever stop. Insert a .1182 in. (3.0 mm) shim between throttle lever and idle stop screw. Loosen ball joint nut. See Fig 2.
  4. Slide ball joint nut until it contacts throttle lever, and tighten. Determine proper clearance (shim thickness) between control lever and lever stop, according to temperature of cold start capsule. See COLD START SYSTEM SHIM THICKNESS  chart.
    Fig 2: Setting Cold Start Shim Clearance
    G10577
    COLD START SYSTEM SHIM THICKNESS

    Capsule Temperature: °F (°C) Shim Thickness: In. (mm)
    66 (19) Or Less .2561 (6.5)
    72 (22) .2325 (5.9)
    77 (25) .2167 (5.5)
    86 (30) .8172 (4.75)
    95 (35) .1575 (4)
    104 (40) .1281 (3.25)
  5. Insert correct shim between control lever and lever stop. Align clevis and throttle cable stop. Tighten clevis and throttle cable stop so that they both contact timing control lever.
  6. Tighten throttle cable stop screw. Remove, and reinsert shim, between control lever and lever stop, to ensure that clearance is correct. Remove shim.
  7. Start, and run engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Verify that throttle and timing control levers are against their respective stops, and that these levers are not binding. Perform DYNAMIC TIMING & IDLE SPEED adjustment procedure under INJECTION PUMP TIMING .
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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