Can't get her to idle!
Bad Dingo
Jeeper
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- Location
- Clayton, NC
- Vehicle(s)
- 1979 CJ 5
304 V8
All of drive train I assume is stock.
My current big issue with my Jeep is that she won't idle. As soon as I let off the gas it instantly cuts off. I just got this so here is a little history on my observations and what I've done so far...
It ran rough when I test drove it. It idled ok, but you had to give it more gas than I think it should have when putting it in gear or it started to bog down.
When I got it home I noticed a small fuel leak coming out of the diaphragm on the front of the carb (Motorcraft 2150) so decided to do a basic rebuild. I basically changed the gaskets, the diaphragm, and set the float (I used a kit from Mike's Carburetors for those familiar. I heard it was good for novices). After I put it back on is when I couldn't get her to idle at all. Initially I saw that I had a fuel leak coming out of the back of the carb at the base. The kit included a spacer that I put on in addition to the base (after the nuts are on, it leaves me maybe 1/4 inch of thread. This fixed the fuel leak on the carb.
Next I replaced the manual fuel pump. I currently have a clear fuel filter installed and when I would rev the engine I could see the gas spurting into it. But it still cuts off the moment I let off the gas. Doesn't stutter, doesn't bog down, just cuts off.
Next I've replaced the spark plug wires and distributor cap (the plugs to be replaced soon, just having some issues accessing them). I did notice a significant build up of rust(?) on the armature that makes contact with all the plug points on the cap (sorry don't know the tech name for it). I cleaned that up as best I could.
I did replace some vacuum lines. Problem is, when I first popped the hood, I had lines running this way and that, some going to nowhere, some with split-T's with no destination.. complete chaos. I'm familiar with the routing plan for the AMC 304 with automatic tran, (I have a manual) so I did my best to stay close. I got rid of the air/smog pump and I plan on pulling out the purge canister. I'll post my sketch at the bottom. When I started it up this time, she kicked over pretty well, but again, it wouldn't idle. I have pretty much everything accounted for except the air intake assembly is not running to anything except the oil "neck". The last thing is I there is a large port on the top ,front of the carb that I don't know where it goes to (I think I read somewhere that it goes to the purge canister...)
I tried to get a vacuum reading, but didn't have much luck since I couldn't get it to idle at all.
I imagine if it was a vacuum leak that it would have to be a pretty big one for it to cut off so quickly? Possibly a fuel pressure issue?
Thanks for any ideas. The police department I work for runs on 12 hr shifts so I apologize up front if it takes me a few days to reply and update.
It ran rough when I test drove it. It idled ok, but you had to give it more gas than I think it should have when putting it in gear or it started to bog down.
When I got it home I noticed a small fuel leak coming out of the diaphragm on the front of the carb (Motorcraft 2150) so decided to do a basic rebuild. I basically changed the gaskets, the diaphragm, and set the float (I used a kit from Mike's Carburetors for those familiar. I heard it was good for novices). After I put it back on is when I couldn't get her to idle at all. Initially I saw that I had a fuel leak coming out of the back of the carb at the base. The kit included a spacer that I put on in addition to the base (after the nuts are on, it leaves me maybe 1/4 inch of thread. This fixed the fuel leak on the carb.
Next I replaced the manual fuel pump. I currently have a clear fuel filter installed and when I would rev the engine I could see the gas spurting into it. But it still cuts off the moment I let off the gas. Doesn't stutter, doesn't bog down, just cuts off.
Next I've replaced the spark plug wires and distributor cap (the plugs to be replaced soon, just having some issues accessing them). I did notice a significant build up of rust(?) on the armature that makes contact with all the plug points on the cap (sorry don't know the tech name for it). I cleaned that up as best I could.
I did replace some vacuum lines. Problem is, when I first popped the hood, I had lines running this way and that, some going to nowhere, some with split-T's with no destination.. complete chaos. I'm familiar with the routing plan for the AMC 304 with automatic tran, (I have a manual) so I did my best to stay close. I got rid of the air/smog pump and I plan on pulling out the purge canister. I'll post my sketch at the bottom. When I started it up this time, she kicked over pretty well, but again, it wouldn't idle. I have pretty much everything accounted for except the air intake assembly is not running to anything except the oil "neck". The last thing is I there is a large port on the top ,front of the carb that I don't know where it goes to (I think I read somewhere that it goes to the purge canister...)
I tried to get a vacuum reading, but didn't have much luck since I couldn't get it to idle at all.
I imagine if it was a vacuum leak that it would have to be a pretty big one for it to cut off so quickly? Possibly a fuel pressure issue?
Thanks for any ideas. The police department I work for runs on 12 hr shifts so I apologize up front if it takes me a few days to reply and update.