1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9

[RMCIII 838]

Any Jeep owners??? I just picked up a the above GC>.. Very good condition. I spent all day yesterday doing general maintenance stuff just for my own personal satisfaction... One of the things I did was an engine flush. Then I re-filled with just standard oil, drove it about 15miles, and drained that oil. Then I filled it with Mobil 1. Owners manual says 5 qts. I put in 5qts. This morning I went out to check the level... It is 3/4 of a quart over the "full" line..?? Is it possible to have the wrong dipstick? All I know is I put what the owners manual stated. Anyone else have that problem?

 

Rob

[JimD 3,345]

Could it be that it didn't completely drain the previous two times and that left you a bit over on the level?

[RMCIII 838]

Could it be that it didn't completely drain the previous two times and that left you a bit over on the level?

 

I wish that was the case. I left the drain plug out, and filter off, for a solid 15 minutes.

[dodge78 94]

Did you change the filter?

[RMCIII 838]

Did you change the filter?

 

Yes.

[JimD 3,345]

I would suggest you measure the length. It should be 21 inches long.

 

http://www.streetperformance.com/auto/1998-jeep-grand-cherokee-59-limited/engine-oil-dipstick/4021-3517vc/

[RMCIII 838]

I would suggest you measure the length. It should be 21 inches long.

 

http://www.streetperformance.com/auto/1998-jeep-grand-cherokee-59-limited/engine-oil-dipstick/4021-3517vc/

 

 

Thanks Jim. I was trying to find that information out.

 

Rob

[RMCIII 838]

you have got to be kidding me... Still not sure about this issue.... I am calling a service center tomorrow to get the actual length of the factory dip stick... This is eating at me like you would not believe.      

[JimD 3,345]

I knew it couldn't be that easy.

[oaktown1987 82]

Most manuals state that it's an estimate

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[RMCIII 838]

Up-date. After changing the oil 4 times. Doing an engine flush 2 times. I have come to the conclusion that the dipstick is 1-1/4" to long. There is no possible way there is enough sludge, in the bottom of the oil pan, to raise the level of the oil by 1 quart. If there was that much sludge, some would eventually, be picked up by the oil pump. Oil pressure is better now, than when I got it. I am going to just order a new one from Jeep and be done with it. Thank-you all for you helpful hints.

Jim - the 21" is for a modified oil dipstick. The old tube would be replaced with the new one for the 21" length.

 

Rob

[chazm 413]

Hey Rob, what are you thinking that the PO put the wrong dipstick in it ??      I wonder if the PO did an engine swap with a different year 5.9 L that uses a different D/S  . Where's Sherlock Homes when ya need him ...  

Edited January 26, 2014 by chazm

[JimD 3,345]

 

Jim - the 21" is for a modified oil dipstick. "The old tube would be replaced with the new one for the 21" length."

 

Rob

 

Rob- The link I provided showed the dipstick being sold WITH the tube, so I guess that would make it correct.

 

Jim

[RMCIII 838]

Update... Stock dip stick length is 34" according to Jeep Forum Members who have the ZJ/5.9 1998. My dip stick measures 35". < This would compensate for the reading I am getting on the dip stick.

 

Jim.. I know the 21" showed with the tube. The problem is the link does not mention you need to modify the tube. I posted the link on Jeep Forum. I received several comments stating that this was the "dip stick" used when customizing your engine bay.

 

All that being said, I have ordered a new dip stick from Jeep to make sure I have the correct length dip stick/

 

Thank-you all for you input and assistance with this.

 

Rob

[chazm 413]

Ya gotta love it when a mystery is solved ...      

[redidbull 54]

http://www.jeep-owner.com  http://www.cherokeeforum.com  are 2 sites I am on. I have a 95 GC with the 5.2L. There are a few 5.9L forums around too. Seems like those who have that beast really get into it. Jim

[RMCIII 838]

Update... Just something to share with the group. Not sure if any member has a 5.9, but if you do, I can now relate as to why they are such a delicacy that many Jeep fans would love to have, if they could find one close to their homestead, or has not been trashed. I do not consider myself a auto"expert" but I have had quite a few gems in my time so far. < Plan on having a few more also. I am so impressed with this SUV, I have already started to look for another one. With less than 14,000 ever made, it makes it a small task to find one with low miles, not rotted out, accessories still working, All Time 4 wheel drive not butchered, ect.... So, if anyone has one to sell, or knows someone that has a well kept 5.9 for sale, let me know. I would be interested in possibly purchasing it.

 

Now the good stuff....With a little over 130k miles on the clock, I was very concerned about the engine, transmission, All Time 4 wheel drive lasting much more than 10k miles of my driving before I would need to d some rebuilding. Well, after putting on a little more than 1k miles so far, I can tell this Jeep was taken care of. My investment was $500.00. That consisted of (3) Oil changes and (2) Engine flushes. Head gaskets, new platinum plugs, wires, Differential fluids changed, transfer case topped off, fluid was still a modest pink which told me the previous owner had done a recent change of the fluid. I still need to place some quality shocks on the SUV, a few front end bushing, and eventually replace the steering gear box.< Not a big investment. The biggest is the box at $129.00 on ebay... So, what did I get, with my $500.00 invested into the purchase price? A BIG TIME SLEEPER, that has a modest rumble while sitting at a light, but ROARS to life when the accelerator pedal is depressed. The look on unsuspecting 4-Matic Mercedes owners as they eventually realize their efforts of cutting me off before the road merges is in vain. The bewildered look of x5 owners when they are shocked to see a "Jeep" edging them out on the express lanes under acceleration while pulling away from a toll booth... I could go on... If there are Jeep owners in here who have not heard of a 5.9, but see one for sale at sometime, do yourself a favor, and at least look at it, drive it, you may be surprised. That 1998 Jeep was the fastest SUV in 1998. Motor Trend clocked a 0-60 in 6.8, I have seen that the rest say 7.1, and even found 1 report that lists it at a 6.5. It was not until 2006, when the Hemi Jeep Cherokee was released, that the 5.9 was topped. < With an intake, some head work, headers, and a reprogramming, whala the 5.9 is right there with the Hemi for pennies compared to what an 06 owner had to pay.

Don't get me wrong, it is not the ultimate SUV by any means. What I am saying is, for $4k, one can have a very comfortable, reliable, capable, dependable, winter means of transportation that will hang with many new SUV's performance wise. Be capable of towing 5500lbs. and you won't even think twice about how deep the snow is or how rough the terrain is. Remember, before any Jeep bears the brand Jeep, it has to pass the Jeep course. Only in a Jeep.

 

Just my  I will get off my  now!

[redidbull 54]

That is cool! The 5.2L I have is also quite the sleeper. Mine has a 3.5" lift so it is not as "predictable" at speed and I have little seat time. It is my Wife's winter car to replace Her 02 Mustang GT. I got this for $700. Has 150K on it. PO thought the trans was bad but it was a bad u-joint. I have a 242 transfer case I got for $50 to replace the full time 249. Jim