1978 Jeep CJ-7 Won't Start.

Tiny
CLOUD5
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 JEEP CJ7
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
I have a 1978 Jeep CJ-7 that was working up until recently. Then the engine would not start. Replaced the battery with Bosch battery and solenoid from Pep Boys. Went to start it up tonight, engine made three grinding noises, and then the battery was completely dead. I plan on replacing battery cables next, but any other diagnostic information would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 8:24 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be short circuit draining the battery, starter motor, starter relay and ignition switch-assuming the battery and connections are good
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
You know the deal Ras, this is my Crusade, every bit of my 110% Airborne Ranger Fortitude is now devoted to the CJ Fellers (I'm one of 'em).........Sending you over to one of my novels Cloud5, I will assist you with ANY CJ ISSUE, Keep responding at this post....This post goes beyond your present needs, I can send you to other good ones to, Or I can write another novel, If I have not covered it somewhere else......We cannot link, so copy and paste this onto a new tab https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1986-jeep-cj7-help-needed Return with good news, and more CJ questions, we are here as long as it takes---The Medic
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
CLOUD5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Doc, thanks for the support. When I put in the solenoid, I rewired the same as it was before. There is a wiring harness coming to it with two wires attached with the positive cable from the battery. Also, the black wire on the other side was attached to the body screw (no screw post on the other side of the original solenoid).
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
So you had the wrong Solenoid from the start? Are you Good To Go now? Do you need to know the wires (If they are original I may can identify them) Was the other post I sent you to, helpful in Identifying Stuff and telling the Voltages and when they should occur.I will continue to help you with any issue you throw at me. Your Turn----The Medic
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
CLOUD5
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  • 6 POSTS
Old solenoid was broken and they did a field modification. I will send a pic of the new solenoid with the wiring harness attached.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 11:38 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Roger, Please do, Send their Field modification too (it might be interesting) Send several pics of engine (not real close-ups) and entire Jeep too!---The Medic
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Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 1:01 AM
Tiny
CLOUD5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Roger. On the road for business, but I will send on Saturday.
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Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 6:09 AM
Tiny
CLOUD5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Well, got the grounds rerun, put in new 2 gauge battery cables, and the engine turns, but won't fire! I am going to replace the spark plugs (been meaning to for two years, good excuse now!) The previous owner did not modify the solenoid, it just fell apart.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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If its cranking over now and won't start. Do below to determine if its a fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 5:37 AM
Tiny
CLOUD5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
6 new spark plugs tonight, same result. Will check to see if plugs are sparking.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 5:45 AM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Cloud5--YOUR FUEL PUMP IS MECHANICAL--YOU WILL HEAR NOTHING. WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND A WET TOWEL HANDY TO SNUFF OUT A CARB FIRE (IF NEED-BE. DO THIS OUTSIDE--NOT IN A GARAGETHE BEST, FAST, EZist TEST FOR FUEL DEPRIVATION, IS TO POUR MAYBE 2 CAPS!-SOFT DRINK CUPFULS OF FUEL DOWN THE CARB AND AND ATTEMPT TO CRANK. IF IT SPITS AND SPUTTERS (BETTER THAN BEFORE) YOU MAY HAVE FOUND THE ISSUE TO PURSUE. STILL JUST TO BE SURE-TEST THE PLUGS TOO! WHEN YOU FIND OUT WHETHER ITS NO FUEL OR NO SPARK, LET US KNOW, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO GUIDE YOU THRU WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND TEST.I CRUSADE HERE TO HELP OUT THE "REAL JEEP GUYS".I AM ONE OF YOU!
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
How's things goin'?
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 4:53 AM

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