Got Starter Fluid?

[cj7inthetwigs]

Good morning y'all, alright my poor jeep won't start unless I hose the carb down with starter fluid. After doing this, she cranks right up. However, if the jeep sits for a few days which it usually does do so I can't start it without removing air cleaner and squirting the carb with starter fluid. It ran fine until I replaced the oil pressure and voltage gauge bulbs. When I hooked the oil pressure gauge back up and turned the key, it blew a fuse. Switched wires, replaced fuse and all was well. Also, a few weeks prior I replaced battery cables, again I believe I got those crossed as when I started it I couldn't cut it off, had to pull cables off the battery. Gauge are still factory. I don't recall exactly when this issue came about except sometime after these two events, I think the gauge issue is when it stopped starting. Now, once I get it running its fine. I can cut it off and fire it right back up without the fluid? I'm stumped so I gotta ask for help or buy stock in the starter fluid one. 86 CJ7 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l original carb and so fourth. Could gas be draining somewhere or us there a fuse somewhere I could be overlooking. Thanks in advance for any help y'all can give me.

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[Torxhead]

I think your first issue is caused by the fuel evaporating out of the float bowl. On the BBD carb there is a float bowl vent valve that is supposed to close when the engine shuts off. Also make sure you have enough fuel pressure going into the carb.

 

[njdave]

Check all your fuel lines also. And the gasket on the fuel sender. I have the same problem with my CJ5 if it sits more then a day or two I have to get the starter fluid. I just haven't gotten around to replacing all the rubber fuel lines yet.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Thanks guys, I can visually check my lines for cracks, etc., wet from leaking gas. I will need to aquire a pressure gauge before I can check pressure. I am not dismissing a faulty carb issue, simply saying the carb was rebuilt about 2 years ago. I have seen stranger things happen though. If fuel pressure is a problem, would that affect things once the jeep was running.? Forgive me but I love to ask the stupid questions. Feel free to draw it out for me just use crayons lol. No really, thanks y'all, soon as I get time I will check it out.

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[cj7inthetwigs]

Well, judging by the date of my last post y'all can see I have oodles of spare time. I have driven the jeep since then as I try to do every week. Ok, I was waiting on a fellow to come buy my woodchipper and decided to have a look see. Basically, the rubber fuel line was dry rotted at the tank, fuel pump, and leaving the fuel filter. So, I cut a bad piece to take with me to the parts store and figured I should go ahead and replace the filter while I'm at it. Who knows if the pump isn't too much I will swap it too. Hopefully, I can check the pump before I go seeing how I already pulled the filter so now would be a great time to test the pump. I will let y'all know how things go once I know myself. Oh, and I did go out and purchase a fuel pressure gauge like 3 weeks ago. It's still in the package LOL!

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[jasonmark1993]

Sounds like youre on the right track.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Well,...... I changed fuel pump, fuel filter. Replaced some rubber fuel line here and there, probably didn't get all if it as it got dark and the stew smelled good. However, I went to crank it and nothing. Maybe I need to prime the carb or? The quest still continues. I did not check at new fuel pump or filter to see if I had fuel coming thru. At this point should I still do a pressure test or what will a pressure test tell me. Oh, to keep me from looking, exactly what do I do to perform said pressure test? Really! Lol, I have my crayons ready.

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[jasonmark1993]

With a mechanical pump it takes bit of cranking to get fuel back up to the carb sometimes.

Fuel pressure test can be done at any point after the fuel pump. Just grab a cheap set at Autozone or somewhere like that.

 

[gert]

if you get an electric fuel it will help to re prime your carb when you go to start it and it should start with out the carb spray

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Fixing to try and figure something out hopefully. If I converted to a electric pump how would I do this correctly and not create a rat nest? Do I need extra space in my fuse block or is there already space there. I will check other threads in the build forum. I would rather leave it mechanical but? Also, if the mechanical isn't priming due to issues in line or etc. I don't want the electric pump to cover these problems or safety concerns up if that makes sense. I do appreciate your advice aswell as any bodies on this forum. Alright, off to stare at my engine bay and hopefully it will jump out with a flashing neon sign. I still tell my jeep I love it!

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[cj7inthetwigs]

Ground Control, we have fire. Alright, I rotated filter as mentioned in other threads although previous filter was mounted with carb feed on top. While filter disconnected I tested fuel pump and it streamed fuel like it should I suppose. Hooked everything back up and the little AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l came to life. Still have some hose to replace but have to wait till I get some more clamps. Still interested in the pressure test and the carb check as mentioned earlier just out of curiosity. But, atleast it will crank, run, and without the aid of starter fluid. My 04 gmc sierra decided to tear up by his morning so it's a good thing the cj is cooperating! Never ends! Anyways I will post any more insight into stumble across in hopes of helping someone else.

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[cj7inthetwigs]

I'm loading the shotgun! Didn't notice any leaks so I drove around the property a bit. Got back, it's leaking oil out of the bottom somewhere. Gasket appears ok and bolts are tight per instructions. I looked this up and apparently there is a weep hole? Not sure where the leak is coming from right now but plan on taking the pump off and exchanging it now. Thought about shooting some rtv around it but I don't want to screw up and mix gas with oil.

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[cj7inthetwigs]

I feel super smart now, took off the new pump and found a creased up gasket. Uhm well I didn't do it! so mashed it out flat and replaced sone more fuel line and will test tomorrow.

 

[Les]

I feel super smart now, took off the new pump and found a creased up gasket. Uhm well I didn't do it! so mashed it out flat and replaced sone more fuel line and will test tomorrow.

As long as you are fixing more problems than are being created, I'd tend to call that success!!

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Cha Ching! Got my honey to help turn the motor over until the pump slide right in. Buttoned up and holding pressure, now for a midnight stroll across the mtn back roads.

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[jeepboy45]

Cha Ching! Got my honey to help turn the motor over until the pump slide right in. Buttoned up and holding pressure, now for a midnight stroll across the mtn back roads.

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"Midnight stroll across the mtn back roads": with a jeep that has been giving you problems.... yeah, nothing bad could come of this! haha

I've been following along your carb issue as I have a very similar problem...

Hope you solved it, and you didnt need a tow!! Waiting for the follow-up report...................
brian

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Well, I've posted questions concerning the carb in another post I started. My issue turned out to be a faulty mechanical fuel pump and dry rotted rubber fuel lines. Went ahead and replaced fuel filter at carb and so far the CJ7 starts right up, idles fine and runs like never before. We tend to take mtn roads because there is no traffic, no cops and it takes 30 minutes to get into town.

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[jeepboy45]

good to hear you got it resolved...

I wish there were mountain roads around here...
I was considering taking my carb apart but I honestly dont know a lot about them. Taking it apart and putting it back together again probably isnt going to resolve anything...

Maybe I'll start with filters...

thanks

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

I'm with you, torxhead seems to be up on the carb. I tried the fuel lines and testing the fuel pump, take it loose before filter, turn over motor and pump should spray some fuel out. I had some long hose I ran so I could visually see it but a buddy could hold a bottle for the hoses to spray gas into. If that works check after filter before carb. If that works I reckon it could be the carb. Proper fuel pressure is vital too but I never checked mine. Good luck!

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