Backfiring no start.... Newbie needs Help

[Smalls]

I am an extreme newbie when it comes to CJ's. I recently shipped my Jeep to where I'm living in Monroe, CT. Last summer when I drove the thing it would shut off randomly a few times while driving it, but the last time I drove it, it ran for an hour and a half without an issue.

As of today I have replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, ICM, ignition switch and still couldn't get the thing to start. It would turn over just fine but not "fire up." A little while ago I replaced the distributor and un hooked the vacuum advance hose. I reconnected it when I was finished. Went to start it and it turned over twice then backfired from under the hood.

Last summer I always pumped the gas 3 times before starting and did this today.

My question is is pumping the gas what caused the backfire? If I try starting it again will I damage anything? Could the timing be that off that it will back fire and not start?

Being a newbie I can take a beating the first few times when I should have done more research. I will gladly post pictures of anything that could possibly help.

 

[Torxhead]

From your description, it sounds like a possible icm that went bad. For your more recent issue, it is possible to get the distributor 180 degrees off. I would start by checking the timing. You should probably remove the spark plugs and get the #1 piston on top in the compression stroke and the timing mark should read at the zero position with the distributor pointing to the #1 plug pin on the dist. cap. I am still a newbie also.

 

[Smalls]

Torxhead,
The entire distributor could be 180 degrees off? I mounded this one exactly as the other one was mounted, endless the 189 only applies to the shaft part of the distributor.
I removed the number 1 plug and held my finger over the hole till I felt compression then tried to set everything off of that.

Can I just re arrange the spark plug wires and make what was 6 now 1 and vise versa?
How can I locate exactly where my timing make is?

 

[Torxhead]

If your vibration dampner or timing chain has not slipped, when the timing mark is at the zero position on the vibration dampner, the distributor rotor should be pointing to fire the #1 cylinder. The firing order is located on the intake maniford.

 

[NorthwestCJer]

Did you set your timing with a light?
Defenately sounds like a timing issue from here.

 

[Smalls]

NWCJer,
No I wasn't able to use a light. I'm hoping I can get it running, I have a shop right down the road that would set it for me. I got as close as I could without a light. I did rotate the wire 180 degrees, but before I could try it that way my battery was dead. PO put in a tiny Valuecraft and I'll be getting something with a a decent amount of cranking amps tomorrow.

 

[Al Lindner]

I had a very similar problem a couple months ago all stemming from a bad plug make sure you have the right plugs and correct gap also you could be off a couple degrees with your distributor Good Luck

 

[Al Lindner]

BUY A TIMING LIGHT !!! inexpensive and invaluable

 

[grozam]

If your timing is correct after you check it, then check all your electric connections. A loose connection one can cause your problem.

 

[NorthwestCJer]

Well, its your dist install. an AMC can be out any tooth.
Here is were you should start.
Pull the plug from number one cylinder and find top dead center, not on compression.
your timing mark will probably be registering on the timing tab.
Pull off the dist cap, were is the rotor pointing? it should be close to number one plug wire.
Is it? or what cylinder is it pointing to?
if it is not on number one cylinder, rearange the wires making that one number one. then go clockwise around the cap .
153624 firing order.
Make sure the retainer is snug on the distrib before you ever try to fire it up. You will jump a tooth or mess something up.
This will get you close. not perfect.
Its hard to fix the problem web wrenching.
You need a timing light. this is a must. Learn to work on your rig yourself. You and it will be better in the end.

 

[brotherjohn]

Not uncommon for a cold 6 banger to backfire every now and then especially if your pumping the gas. I'd check ground, then all your BIG wire connections.
When it died was it like unplugging a lamp or a clogged drain?

 

[Smalls]

Got her running just fine, thanks to all the help. In the process I have redone lots of the wiring under the hood as well. Timing lights arn't that terrible after all.

I'll post a picture when I get home from work to get some opinions.

 

[Smalls]

Everything is tucked in the red loom.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Wow, that is very clean in there.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Wow, that is very clean in there.

While I agree with TroyaCantrell, you really need to get that CJ dirty!!!!!!