getting my jeep running, need some help

[dizenman]

So a couple weeks ago I bought a '76 CJ7 that I knew needed some work. there is something wonky going on in the ignition system, and the brakes needed some work. The brakes are pretty straight forward, but im having trouble with the ignition system. right now, im not getting any spark. I started by replacing the coil, but im not getting any spark from there. my next thought would be the ignition module, but the wiring on this thing is pretty bad. im considering replacing the entire harness. I'm also finding some components I'm having trouble identifying that are concerning me. the one I'm currently having trouble with is located bolted to the passenger side of the engine, below the ignition coil and a bit further back. it has wires going to it from the same loom as the coil. Can anybody help me identify what this thing is? also, would the module be the right next step in figuring out why I'm not getting spark?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Torxhead]

You could start with a repair manual, to point you in the right direction. This will also get you going in testing your ignition system to see just what you need to replace if anything. If the wiring system looks butchered, a wiring diagram could help there. Here is some info on your ignition system:Junk Yard Genius.com Ignition Upgrade, AMC Jeep '76-'77 V-8 Engines

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Get the FSM.
If you still have the horseshoe connector on the coil? That is a known starting/run issue.
LG

 

[BIG4D]

Well, let’s see. Is this thing that you are trying to identify white? Look to be ceramic? Have a wire going in one end and out the other? If so, this is the ballast resister. A picture would help immensely.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dizenman]

thanks guys, this is the part im having trouble identifying in the mean time. been trying to look at parts diagrams but i just cant find it.

https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/photo_popup.php?e=vB_Editor_001#

 

[dizenman]

I'm really not sure if that image upload worked. This forum has the worst attachments system on any forum i've ever used. it looks kind of like a bell with a wire attached to the top of it, with a little plug coming out the side forming the shape of an L

 

[dizenman]

Figured it out, its the oil pressure sensor and sending unit.

 

[Idahododgeram]

Jeep Wiring Diagrams - 1976 and 1977 CJ

Jeep® Parts Manuals online

I have a '77. Virtually the same as your '76. PM me if you need anything else.

 

[jp360cj]

Image upload didn't work (or at least I can't see it)..IMO, the easiest way to post pictures is to upload them to a host site and link with the IMG tag, or upload from a mobile device using an forum app like Tapatalk...

Back to the ignition...What engine are you running? The Presotlite ignition on the 76-77s are known to be problematic. Before you get too far into it, I would check out an HEI upgrade. You'll have less time and probably about the same money into an HEI with better results.

 

[dizenman]

thanks guys, theres some great info here, I actually think the issue with my no start issue is the ignition switch, so im in the process of tackling that. if that doesnt solve it, then i will need to revisit other possibilities, but im about 95% on that one.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Run a wire from the POS(+)side of the battery to the POS(+)side of the coil.
Will it start now?
If it does-Don't run it for more that 5 minutes or so.
Pull the wire to kill the engine, after you turn the ign off.
LG