1977 CJ7 Jeep not starting after i took dash off

[Rdavison39]

I am restoring my jeep and during theh process I removed the dash. When i did so i unattached very carefully and labelled each wire. The wires were the ones leading to the fan, the head lights, the radio, etc.

After i did that the Jeep did not start. At first i didn't even think it had anything to do with the dash and i replaced every electronic component between the battery and spark plug (IGM, coil, distributor cap, spark plug wires, spark plugs) and it still didn't start. It's definitely getting gas as i can see it squirt gas into the carb when i press the gas peddle down - as well i've poured some gas down the carb - and it never started. It's also getting some spark but i can't tell how strong it is. At this point i was lost.

So I got it towed to a mechanic because i thought i did something wrong and he checked everything and said something must have happened when i took off the dash - maybe something is not grounded properly or maybe something is shorted out.

I also did remove the steering wheel to get the dash off but i did not remove any wires nor touch the ignition switch.

I didn't think anything on the dash would prevent the car from starting?????

Any ideas on what i should look for would be great.

Thx in advance
Ron

 

[Torxhead]

You didn't really if the starter motor was turning over or not. You might try running a jumper wire to a bare metal location on the dash to help eliminate the ground question.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Really need to know in detail all this mechanic did in tracing this down.
Turn the IGN to run/on position. What is the voltage at the coil?
Does the engine crank with the starter?
We need far more details from you.
Is this a fiberglass or steel body?
LG

 

[Torxhead]

You could try Dave's troubleshooting guide:http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f99/engine-wont-start-troubleshooting-guide-19494/

 

[Lumpy Grits]

LG

 

[Rdavison39]

Sorry - should have provided more details.

Engine turns over no problem. Body is original CJ7 (metal).

Mechanic hasn't traced any wires. Will need to check voltage.

Mechanic felt something was "shorting" or "grounding" the engine so that it wouldn't start. I'm not sure what that could be. I thought as long as the engine was getting spark, fuel and air it would go....

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Find another 'mechanic'.....
Run a wire from the battery POS(+)to the coil POS(+). Now see if it starts.
Don't run it long this way(5 minutes max)as the 12vdc feed, is not good for the coil.
You'll have to pull the wire to stop the engine.
Have you read the link in post #4?
LG

 

[Greenwithenvy]

Find another 'mechanic'.....
Run a wire from the battery POS(+)to the coil POS(+). Now see if it starts.
Don't run it long this way(5 minutes max)as the 12vdc feed, is not good for the coil.
You'll have to pull the wire to stop the engine.
Have you read the link in post #4?
LG

Lumpy Grits beat me to saying the same thing! :agree

 

[Rdavison39]

Thanks - if mech can't figure this out then i will have no choice!

I did read post #4 even before i started this thread...

I'll try connecting battery directly to coil and see where that takes me...

thx everyone for their help. Much appreciated.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Why not learn to do this yourownself, and save some $$$$?
It's not brain surgery.......
That jumper wire deal is the first thing that 'wrench' should have tried.
Best of luck,
LG

 

[Rdavison39]

Okay - so the mechanic jumped a wire from the battery to the coil and it still wouldn't start. The spark he said is not "strong". It is a faint "reddish" colour instead of a bright blue spark. He says it must be in the wiring harness somewhere.....any thoughts out there?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Did the engine crank/turn over?
There's no real 'load' at the coil to create a spark when you break contact. There's no high voltage to create the blue arch like you see with a spark plug.
If if cranked, and didn't start-Test the ICM inside the distributor. It could also be the ECU on the fender.
You sure the battery is FULLY charged?
This might help-
Table of Contents

My thoughts-Find somedangbody that knows what the heck they are doing! This guy your using hasn't a clue.

LG