Engine cranking problem

JOENGAINES

MEMBER
1986 JEEP CJ7
4WD
103,000 MILES

Automatic six cylinder. California Jeep.

Engine runs great. After the vehicle is started I can drive all day shit engine off start right back up perfect.

Next day engine cranks cranks cranks refuses to start. Takes 15 minutes turning over until finally coaxed to start then no problem starting shutting off etc. Almost like it’s initially starved for fuel.

New carburetor.
New distributor cap.
New points.
New plugs.
New plug wires.
New solenoid.
New starter.
New started relay.

Third mechanic found vacuum leak in four connector vapor canister. He sealed the vacuum hose. Runs like a champ.

Haven’t replaced the coil yet.

I’m suspecting a fuel issue.

Timing was adjusted properly.

Any help please?

7 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Points?

Really? Explain.

Check carburetor to intake bolts.

New carburetor or rebuilt?

Is this a Carter BBD carburetor?

Is everything still OE? Or has things been changed over the years?

We still have a mechanical fuel pump?

How do you know the timing is right?

Jeep still live in California?

What about 2 teaspoons of gas down the carburetor throat, quickly reinstall the breather, attempt a start. What does it do?

The more info you can provide, the better.

Hold off on new stuff until I get better acquainted with your Jeep.

The Medic

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Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 AT 8:09 PM

JOENGAINES

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CJ Medic. Thanks for the response. My mechanic skills are at the basic level so you may have to help with pictures.

Points? I misidentified this. The plastic device under the distributor that spins. Replaced that.

The carburetor was put on by a local shop. I will send a picture of it when I get home today. Another mechanic I had look at the carburetor said “ these electric chokes are terrible”.

The Jeep is in Alabama these days, no emissions testing here. But it came from California w all emissions control.

No modifications that I can see

Not sure how I tell if it has a mechanical fuel pump.

My neighbor and I set the timing with a timing light. Looked up the specs on the internet. Marked the fly wheel and did the adjustment. We could certainly check it again.

Also the fuel gauge doesn’t work. I’ve read that can sometimes be a function of the sending unit at the gas tank.

Will take pics of the carburetor when I get home today and send. When the mechanic put on the carburetor he said he had to adjust it.

Did I mention the engine runs smooth as silk after a grind the crap out of it to get it started

Can you send a diagram of the carburetor intake bolts.

Will check all these things and get back to you

Might have to buy you a plane ticket. Have you ever been to Alabama?

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 5:33 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Picture 1) Carburetor to intake bolts, I feel sure you don't have a torque wrench to tighten them.

Let's use a regular old wrench. Grab it about in the middle and just "snug" the four nuts in a "cross" fashion.

How about laying you hood gently back on the windshield frame.

Remove your breather.

Take a few good left and right and overhead shots of your engine in good light.

A few good ones over the carburetor too!

Been to Alabama a few times at Fort McClellan during the mid 1980's.

Keep responding, we'll get you going soon!

The Medic

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 12:37 PM

JOENGAINES

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Thanks Medic. I do have a torque wrench used it on the plugs.

I will check these bolts and take said photos. What’s the torque on those bolts

Need to go dark for about two days but will be back on here with pictures and more dialogue.

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 3:50 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Carburetor mounting (check the torque). It should be 13 ft-lbs tighten all four bolts in a criss-cross fashion.

Beings that it's only 13 ft-lbs, the "click" or "break" of the torque wrench will be very "mild" and hard to detect (when to stop).

So basically, it won't take much to be to specs!

Any luck with the two spoons of gas?

The Medic