Ignition problem

Hey there!

Prestolite is not well suited for a CJ.

I sort of experienced every problem it dished out to me. Module/wires entering the distributor/spring breakage on the mechanical advance weights inside the distributor/ and the "balloon" cracking for the vacuum advance inside the front of the distributor.

When they started duplicating the same problems, I switched to Motorcraft on my 1977.

Best thing I did for this Jeep!

This is your list for what you need.

Basically, your system will be a "1979" when we are done.

So when you ask for this stuff, tell them it is a 1979.

A new or re-manufactured 258 distributor. Advance Auto/Carquest has this one with the cap and rotor included. Lifetime Warranty too! Link below.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-ignition-distributor-with-cap-and-rotor-new-t4691/10435884-P?navigationPath=L1*14923%7CL2*15034%7CL3*16062

Need an Ignition Module too! This one's a little more expensive. Lifetime warranty!

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/wells-vehicle-electronics-control-module-f102/10302218-P?navigationPath=L1*14923%7CL2*15032%7CL3*16043

Need a coil!

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-ignition-coil-e71p/5240271-P?navigationPath=L1*14923%7CL2*15034%7CL3*16064

A connector for the coil.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-ignition-coil-connector-pt5764/20974639-P?navigationPath=L1*14923%7CL2*15034%7CL3*16064

Wire set. Does no have to be anything special.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-premium-spark-plug-wire-set-35-6309/19250131-P?navigationPath=L1*14923%7CL2*15034%7CL3*16072

Going to need a ballast resistor. The Prestolite set-up did not use a resistance wire, the ballast resistor will be its substitute for the 1979 set-up.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/PartSearchCmd?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&pageId=partTypeList&actionSrc=Form&searchTerm=ballast+resistor&vehicleIdSearch=1627

Need some wiring to connect the distributor to the module.

To get a deal, We will have to shop around on eBay/salvage yards to find the correct connectors for the ignition module feed and the four wire connectors from the ignition module to the distributor.

I will help you with this treasure hunt if you are indeed serious with this upgrade.

I will hang with you as long as you keep responding. I have wire diagrams and can talk you through this whole process. I can also show you how to save money on these parts too.

Your turn,

The Medic

Good deal!

So you have read a lot of my CJ stuff?

As far as helping out with deals on the parts,

1) Codes change/have to do your homework and make "dry runs" in the check out to see if the codes you find still work.

2) Bundle parts as to barely get over the "limit" for a code. This will make it that you do not waste money on an overage.

3) Start a new order to maximize the codes power. You can use the same codes most of the time on new orders.

4) You can pick up at the store in thirty minutes, make sure what store(s) you have to pick them up at. Some things are only available through the mail. You have to order on line regardless, cannot use the codes in the store.

5) This will all make sense when you read the next link.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2001-dodge-neon-milage-just-want-put-fliuds-their-locations

At minimum, you will need the two connections to the ignition module, one will have two wires, the other will have four.

The connection for the distributor will have three wires (it sort of goes to the four wire connector at the module).

Sending you a diagram of how it works.

I will aid you later on where to tie onto the Prestolite wires, it is probably vague in my diagram below.

This might also aid you at the salvage yard, worked so many times for me, still does.Tailor the technique to your needs.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1993-saturn-sl1-shoulder-belt-mechanism-stuck

Let's see a Jeep Picture!

Your turn,

The Medic

Oh yeah,

The later CJ's with computers, will not have the correct module/ distributor connectors.

The Medic

Nice CJ-5!

Looks like rust ain't jumped on it.

We kinda ain't sitting in cubicles answering stuff, Some of us work/ some retired/ some in different parts of the world!

I generally get done slaving for the other guy around 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Eastern Time. I jump on here to relax till maybe 11PM. I sorta neglect things I need/ want to do. I really wanna repaint my Willys Jeep. Got the paint! Need to do some Jeep prep. Need to crack down!

So, in a short sentence, I don't see replies till late afternoon/ evening.

I do respond! Just gotta wait on me!

I'll start looking for New connectors, You may have to add wire to 'em to make 'em reach.

If you are still looking in salvage yards, Ford stuff from the 70's may be perfect.

Just compare the # of wires on the connector ends to the diagram I sent you.

Mine came off of a pickup, I had to shorten the wires from the module to the distributor, as they went around the world to connect on the truck setup.

Just a pointer

Don't try to pry them apart, you'll break off the locking tabs. The textbook correct way (dumb as it sounds), is to

Grasp the wires on both sides of the connector, snatch/ jerk, it will come apart.

Keep me posted as to what's going on/ when more info is needed.

CJs are my favorite to answer on here (hence, my user name), if you have seen other posts I've answered, I really try to give 'em my all.

Your Turn,

The Medic

pic 1) Present '77 w/ 258
pic 1) Jeep #1 '77 in 1983 w/ 304
4 others in between
And of course, we have my '46 "Willy" too!

Just letting you know that I hadn't forgot you! If you are on during my 2cartime, we can sorta back and forth communicate in real time with questions and answers!

I've been to Fort Lewis several times, 2nd Ranger Battalion is there, I was in 1st Ranger Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA. They even let us invade Seattle twice, during off time!

So, Late for me, is kinda early for you!

Diagram Again.

See below/ click on it!

Let me know if you see it! Sometimes there are 2carglitches!

The Medic

Well thank you!

Send pics anytime.

Waiting to get yours all squared away!

The Medic

Some shots of my Man Cave/ guest room

I just emailed "Go Painless Wiring" to see if only the pigtails might be obtainable without getting an entire harness.

I'll keep you posted!

Are you still driving your Jeep or is it down until you get upgraded?

The Medic

Great man cave! You should post some pics int he experts forum :)

Cheers, Ken

No word back from my Email yet.

I have continued to look here and there.

In pic below, I can find "B" and "C",

Just not "A"

I was sorta hoping to find 'em all at one site and REASONABLE!

Any luck with the late '70s- early '80s Fords in the salvage yard?

The Medic