Cj7 won't start

[ghbatt]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum, but this seems like the place to get jeep related help, and I certainly am in need!

I recently bought an 86 CJ7 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l i6, manual Transmission , which wasn't running when I got it (though it was shortly before I got it). When I got it, turning the key I could hear the starter spinning (but not engaging the fly wheel) and the headlights would come on. When I pulled the starter, the gear inside was completely gone, so I replaced the starter with a new one. I also charged my battery.

When I hooked it all up again, the starter didn't engage when I turned the key, and my headlights also don't work, along with the horn. The emergency lights still work. I used some jumper cables to bypass the solenoid, and the starter would work (she didn't start, but at least turned over!).

I am wondering what to do next, as I am completely lost.

 

[Les]

I'm going to assume that your battery is good, so you need to start there and work your way up.

I would first verify that all your connections on the battery are tight and there is no corrosion.

Next, I would follow the ground (-) cable to it's other end and verify you have an adequate chassis ground connection.

Turn on the key switch and use a multimeter to verify you are getting voltage to the hot (+) input side of the ignition coil.

If the engine doesn't turn over when you turn the key, you can disconnect the hot (+) wire that goes to the control/low amp side of the solenoid and while someone turns the key switch to the start position, you can verify you are actually getting voltage to the solenoid from the key switch, using your multimeter.

With all the different symptoms your CJ is exhibiting, it almost sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere in the grounding system, somewhere between the negative battery post and the chassis ground connection.

If you get the Jeep to turn over when you turn the key switch, you can prime the carburetor with a small amount of gas to help it start, because if it hasn't been running in quite awhile, the fuel bowl will probably be dry.

If none of these steps fixes your problem, then it will be on to the next set of steps, but hopefully this will remedy your situation.....

And btw, welcome to the forum!

 

[ghbatt]

I'm going to assume that your battery is good, so you need to start there and work your way up.

I would first verify that all your connections on the battery are tight and there is no corrosion.

Next, I would follow the ground (-) cable to it's other end and verify you have an adequate chassis ground connection.

Turn on the key switch and use a multimeter to verify you are getting voltage to the hot (+) input side of the ignition coil.

If the engine doesn't turn over when you turn the key, you can disconnect the hot (+) wire that goes to the control/low amp side of the solenoid and while someone turns the key switch to the start position, you can verify you are actually getting voltage to the solenoid from the key switch, using your multimeter.

With all the different symptoms your CJ is exhibiting, it almost sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere in the grounding system, somewhere between the negative battery post and the chassis ground connection.

If you get the Jeep to turn over when you turn the key switch, you can prime the carburetor with a small amount of gas to help it start, because if it hasn't been running in quite awhile, the fuel bowl will probably be dry.

If none of these steps fixes your problem, then it will be on to the next set of steps, but hopefully this will remedy your situation.....

And btw, welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the advice and welcome Les! It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own a jeep, my father had an 86 CJ7 from when I was born until I was 15, so sadly I never was able to drive it. This jeep project is a dedication to that jeep and all the memories we had with it growing up.

I am going to get at the jeep in a couple of hours; I am just getting my tool collection built up, so I am going to pick up a multimeter to do the diagnostics you referenced. I will update as soon as I am done!

Thanks again!

 

[Les]

No problem, I have an '86 too, and it was in way worse shape when I got it, than yours probably is, so I'm aware of how frustrating the problems can get. At least yours apparently still has a wiring harness and a hopefully running engine. I acquired my CJ after the previous owners engine bay fire, so most everything on mine was either gone or crispy fried.

 

[ghbatt]

No problem, I have an '86 too, and it was in way worse shape when I got it, than yours probably is, so I'm aware of how frustrating the problems can get. At least yours apparently still has a wiring harness and a hopefully running engine. I acquired my CJ after the previous owners engine bay fire, so most everything on mine was either gone or crispy fried.

I managed to get it started! I did find a bad ground from the battery to the frame. But even then it didn't work. I started tinkering with the module, nod I found that there was some corroded connections. Aftering using a wire brush, and a bit of elbow grease the engine fired to life!

I am living in Newfoundland Canada, so our jeeps tend to rust out. The wiring in mine is pretty messy, but I can clean it up.

 

[Les]

I managed to get it started! I did find a bad ground from the battery to the frame. But even then it didn't work. I started tinkering with the module, nod I found that there was some corroded connections. Aftering using a wire brush, and a bit of elbow grease the engine fired to life!

I am living in Newfoundland Canada, so our jeeps tend to rust out. The wiring in mine is pretty messy, but I can clean it up.

Glad to hear you got it running. I too, have sometimes had issues with corrosion in various connectors, especially around the ignition module, since its located low on the fender, where it always gets wet when driving in the rain. What I did to fix that problem was to clean the connectors, apply a bit of electrically conductive grease, plug them in and then wrap them with a nice, tight layer of electrical tape. After that, my problems went away.
I have also lived in areas near the ocean where the salt air seemed to find it's way into everything. In the past, I also had to do various other things, such as even sealing around the bottom of the distributor cap with a bit of rubber tape, to keep the contacts and rotor from corroding. Also, as you are working on your Jeep and it's wiring, any connections that you make or old ones that you find, be sure to seal them good, preferably with heat shrink, and soldered connectors are always better than crimp connectors. Taking a bit of extra time and work will pay off in the future with all the problems you avoid.

 

[ghbatt]

Glad to hear you got it running. I too, have sometimes had issues with corrosion in various connectors, especially around the ignition module, since its located low on the fender, where it always gets wet when driving in the rain. What I did to fix that problem was to clean the connectors, apply a bit of electrically conductive grease, plug them in and then wrap them with a nice, tight layer of electrical tape. After that, my problems went away.
I have also lived in areas near the ocean where the salt air seemed to find it's way into everything. In the past, I also had to do various other things, such as even sealing around the bottom of the distributor cap with a bit of rubber tape, to keep the contacts and rotor from corroding. Also, as you are working on your Jeep and it's wiring, any connections that you make or old ones that you find, be sure to seal them good, preferably with heat shrink, and soldered connectors are always better than crimp connectors. Taking a bit of extra time and work will pay off in the future with all the problems you avoid.

So I went to take her for the first drive around the block today (been raining heavy) and she wouldn't start again! Now, this time when I turn the key I get one loud click which sounds like its coming from the solenoid. The lights don't dim or flicker at all, so I know I have power. Any thoughts?

 

[Torxhead]

Solenoid clicks are from a weak battery, a poor connection, or a bad solenoid.