[hi_c]

I'd go even cheaper than that, by starting with replacing the Fuel Filter. Also, have you ever had to drop your gas tank and replace the fuel sock and/or sending unit? If not, then now might be a good time to drop it. It's pretty simple.

Try to run the Jeep out of gas (dropping a full tank would not be fun). When the Jeep is on "E" drop the tank. There is a mesh filter called a fuel sock that goes over the end of the sending unit inside the tank. It's like $4 from the dealer, get one. Also, there is a rubber o-ring that mates the sending unit to the tank. IF THIS O-RING IS BUSTED, THEN THIS IS PROBABLY YOUR PROBLEM. See, (I have 89 2.5L TBI also) the system needs to pressurize fuel so that the next time you start up, the fuel will be at the TB before it cranks. If there is a leak in the seal, you might not be pressurizing. But after trying several times, it might pressurize enough to get you started. I would replace all this first. If your O2 was bad, you'd be idling rough and probably out of range (over 1200 or under 600rpms).

I did this about a year ago and it solved my issues which were similar to your symptoms. When I took the old fuel sock off... it was so deteriorated that when I touched it, it fell apart in my hands.

Good luck, and let us know what you do.

Corey