Prestolite to Motorcraft conversion

1976 JEEP CJ7
99,000 MILES • 4.2L • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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Hello, I have the vehicle listed above that I purchased because it would not run. I then installed all new ignition, I checked wiring and the module all seem fine. But still no spark. There is power to the coil. So after reading CJ Medevac's switch over I figured I would do that same. So CJ Medic please help me! No hurry though as I am on vacation until Monday, lol.
Jun 15, 2018 at 6:35 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Got ya boss!

Thanks for creating your own post.

Just so I can see what we are up against, could you remove your air cleaner and take some pictures of the left side, right side, and an overhead view of your engine? Try to get the full engine in the pictures, I can probably magnify anything I need a closer look at.

Your rig is one year older than mine as CJ-5, I would like to see what has been modified, removed, added or might need attention.

At the end of the repair I always enjoy hearing that it has never performed this well before!

What part of the country are you in? (no need to get really specific)

See you soon.

The Medic

Jun 15, 2018 at 7:57 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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How are we going to work on this Jeep without you replying back?

With you being on vacation, you will have time to hit the auto salvage yards for parts.

A little heads up here might save you some time on getting some needed parts real cheap!

Ask around/call around, we are wanting a "older" yard (maybe a smaller yard) that has late 1970's and early 1980's Fords, Lincolns, and Mercury's. All we are wanting is some specific wires and connectors.

Everything else can be obtained from the auto parts store.

Your turn,

The Medic
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:15 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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Hello, sorry been slammed today at work.
Jun 18, 2018 at 10:44 AM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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Here are some pictures:
Jun 18, 2018 at 10:45 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Good pictures!

Maybe a few hints to make it better.

Of course you know about the stuff that is disconnected.

Looks very do-able providing that power is where we need it.

Can you do the salvage yard Ford wiring?

I will show and describe what will be needed from there (not much at all, if you can find it!).

Below are the things (pictures/screenshots) you will need to purchase.

Let me know what your end thinks.

The Medic

Jun 18, 2018 at 5:47 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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I am working on the Ford harness pieces I need. I will get the coil and the coil topper and resistor tomorrow. If I am unable to get the harness piece is there another option?
Jun 18, 2018 at 7:35 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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Can it be off any motor from that time period or just six cylinders?
Jun 18, 2018 at 8:05 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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I made you an information diagram!

The Medic
Jun 19, 2018 at 7:56 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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American Autowire 500918, AWW-500918 would this work if I am not able to find a harness?
Jun 21, 2018 at 9:18 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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I was going to suggest the net if you struck out.

That is pretty, except for the $103,00 part of it!

If you do find it at the salvage yard, some purple power or a spray can of brake cleaner might spiff it up.

When I acquired mine, the guy just let me have it.

Keep me posted.

Oh Yeah!

We still have not seen a picture of your whole Jeep!

The Medic
Jun 21, 2018 at 3:31 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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I had to purchase a second body and I am cuting the rust out of it. But since the old body is on the Jeep I figured I would just try to get it running again. The wiring harness came in. On the diagram you game me when it comes to splicing in to the old wiring what does that look like?
Jun 27, 2018 at 3:51 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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This may be a little crude.

Let me know if it is hard to figure it out (I will try to do better).

This should show you the tie ins, there are not but two that feed the module from your existing wires. Everything else you do will be new for the newer set up.

Am I shoveling this stuff to you well? I try to present it so that even an elementary school student might follow along.

Keep me updated!

Oh yeah,

We still have not seen a picture of your baby.

I drew a bunch of yellow lines depicting what is taking the place of what.

Some covered up stuff, the blue wire starts at the solenoid and heads for the firewall.



The Medic
Jun 27, 2018 at 3:53 PM
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TRYINGTOGETCJGOING
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Awesome, I did some crude wiring and pores gas in carburetor and got a hit and ran for a few seconds! Now have to replace the tank! Thank you I will clean up the wiring and take a few pictures .
Jun 27, 2018 at 4:21 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Just came across your post again!

Progress? Pics?

The Medic
Feb 23, 2020 at 8:14 AM