Uneven Idle - Stuttering but Not Rough - Not the Typical IAC
1996 4.0 - 177k miles
Links below to videos of sounds/shakiness
I've tested and replaced most things, I cannot for the life of me get rid of a stutter at idle, it's uneven, you can't see it in the tach, but up next to the exhaust you can hear it perfectly, like the worlds most slight miss. Jeep runs great down the road through the RPM band and gets a consistent 17mpg.
Things I've done over the past 2 years:
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Entirety of the ignition system including dizzy
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MAP/TPS/IAC/O2/Coolant Temp/CAM Sensors (ALL NTK)
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Compression tested, all around 180, cyl 1 at 155-160
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Fuel pressure checks out at 54psi
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Removed and welded the exhaust manifold
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New intake/exhaust gasket
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Smoke tested the vacuum lines and found no leaks
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All sensor pigtails have 5.17volts
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Entire intake pulled apart and cleaned
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Bosch 4 Hole Injectors
Things I think could be happening:
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I still have a ticking on start up coming from the exhaust, but goes away after a minute or so, even when I unplug the upstream o2, there's no changes in the idle stutter
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Fuel pump check valve is starting to go
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I did a bit of jimmy rig on the fuel filter connection - maybe sucking a tiny bit of air?
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I have not checked grounds yet, I should really do this, I know the battery ground cable is less than ideal.
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I hear the clock spring causes issues with sensors
Looking for anymore advice on things to try or look at, thanks!
Posted Jul 9, 2026, 7:45 PM UTC