Ignition system wiring. (Yes I've searched/researched. I'm not a newb.)

[Schvin]

Hello guys, my name is Ben, I'm not new to Jeeps, just CJ's. I've got a...slightly modified '04 TJ, an '88 YJ, and a '00 XJ already. I just acquired a '79 CJ5 . It's got a AMC 304 in it, but wasn't running right, so I rebuilt the mc2100, generally set the timing for now, and it's running a WHOLE lot better. However, this is the reason for my post. A PO swapped this AMC 304 in. According to my VIN, it came stock with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in it. So I know about the nutter bypass, I did it on my YJ. Ive got parts on the way for the Team Rush upgrade. BUT, I'm curious if this Jeep would benefit from the nutter bypass as well? Since it used to have a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in it. I can't seem to find the computer behind the dash like my YJ had, so I'm not sure if the wiring goes straight from the ignition module to the dizzy or not. I've been searching on the forum for about a week and can't seem to find the answer to "will the nutter bypass benefit the AMC 304 ; is the nutter bypass applicable to a '79?" If it's been covered, I sincerely apologize. Thank you in advance.

Ben.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

:ww:

Since your not using any computer controls that was OEM. The Nutter won't do you a thing.
LG

 

[Schvin]

:ww:

Since your not using any computer controls that was OEM. The Nutter won't do you a thing.
LG

Well it still has the ford ignition module, and the purple and orange wires both still go to the dizzy, so I just wasn't sure. But like I said, I've got parts for the Team Rush on the way. Hopefully next paycheck I can get the MSD ignition too. But I appreciate your reply, thank you!

Ben

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Please post up how that upgrade goes.
I have been VERY happy with my MSD for many years.
LG

 

[Schvin]

Please post up how that upgrade goes.
I have been VERY happy with my MSD for many years.
LG

Will do. Thanks again.

 

[Peanut Butter]

If by chance the PO left the OEM ignition box in, it would be located on the driver's side fender near the bottom, and it would be an aluminum box. FYI.

 

[Petescj]

The Nutter bypass is used to bypass the computer that is behind the dash by the glovebox. It was used in conjunction with the Carter BBD on late '82-'86 Cjs. All those Cjs came with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . No 304s were offered.

 

[Schvin]

If by chance the PO left the OEM ignition box in, it would be located on the driver's side fender near the bottom, and it would be an aluminum box. FYI.

Yes, the ignition module is still there. But I wasn't finding a computer behind the dash. That's why I was asking about the nutter bypass.

The Nutter bypass is used to bypass the computer that is behind the dash by the glovebox. It was used in conjunction with the Carter BBD on late '82-'86 Cjs. All those Cjs came with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . No 304s were offered.

Ok, got it. Thanks Pete!


So I've been messing with the timing, and I can't get it to where it should be, reason being, the vacuum advance is rotated towards the driver side fender, and when I rotate it, it's hitting on the power steering pump bracket. Now I've noticed a lot of other AMC 304 's, the vacuum advance is facing pretty much straight forward. I know you can rotate the dizzy to get that direction, I'm just not 100% sure on how to do it, and not completely screw up the timing. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[gert]

Yes, the ignition module is still there. But I wasn't finding a computer behind the dash. That's why I was asking about the nutter bypass.



Ok, got it. Thanks Pete!


So I've been messing with the timing, and I can't get it to where it should be, reason being, the vacuum advance is rotated towards the driver side fender, and when I rotate it, it's hitting on the power steering pump bracket. Now I've noticed a lot of other AMC 304 's, the vacuum advance is facing pretty much straight forward. I know you can rotate the dizzy to get that direction, I'm just not 100% sure on how to do it, and not completely screw up the timing. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ben

bring the motor up to top dead center on #1 cylinder note where your #1 spark plug wire is(should be lined up with rotor tip) and remove your wires from the cap. loosen the distributor and spin it to desired location and install your spark plug wires to match the new location on your cap lining your number 1 spark plug wire up with the rotor tip and you can go back to adjusting your timing from there your ignition system isnt concerned about the orientation of the body of the distributor. It is looking for the spark plug wires to be lined up with the rotor tip on time with the motor. The cap is indexed to the body of the distributor so you can move the wires from hole to hole to match. hope this is making sense.

 

[Schvin]

bring the motor up to top dead center on #1 cylinder note where your #1 spark plug wire is(should be lined up with rotor tip) and remove your wires from the cap. loosen the distributor and spin it to desired location and install your spark plug wires to match the new location on your cap lining your number 1 spark plug wire up with the rotor tip and you can go back to adjusting your timing from there your ignition system isnt concerned about the orientation of the body of the distributor. It is looking for the spark plug wires to be lined up with the rotor tip on time with the motor. The cap is indexed to the body of the distributor so you can move the wires from hole to hole to match. hope this is making sense.

Awesome. Yea, pretty sure I'm following you on that. I'll give it a shot tonight after work. Thank you Gert!

Ben

 

[Schvin]

So I installed the MSD adapt a cap, MSD wires, MSD TFI coil, and new autolite spark plugs last night, and it wouldn't even fire up. Gonna mess with it more tomorrow evening hopefully. But I've got spark and fuel. My original coil had a green wire, and a red/black tracer wire. Green would be negative, correct?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Might be a good idea to call MSD customer support, before you do anything else.

LG

 

[Schvin]

Might be a good idea to call MSD customer support, before you do anything else.
LG

Just per curiosity, why's that?

Ben

 

[Lumpy Grits]

To confirm proper install to your jeep's wiring comes to mind.
See if this helps-
http://www.offroaders.com/tech/Jeep-Wiring-Diagrams-1979.htm
LG

 

[Schvin]

To confirm proper install to your jeep's wiring comes to mind.
See if this helps-
Jeep CJ Wiring Diagram - Jeep Year 1979
LG

Thanks LG. I'm looking over that now.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That was found in a 30 second GOOGLE search.

LG

 

[Schvin]

That was found in a 30 second GOOGLE search.

LG

I swear I've googled it multiple times! But I appreciate it. So, yes I have the coil wired properly. Didn't mess with any other wiring. But it still won't fire. I've messed with the timing. Used starting fluid. Still won't start. It's close/sounds like it wants to. Just...doesn't. I'm about to switch back to my old stuff lol. I had it running fairly well before I did the team rush mods. :dunno:

Ben

 

[FLYNHYCJ7]

I swear I've googled it multiple times! But I appreciate it. So, yes I have the coil wired properly. Didn't mess with any other wiring. But it still won't fire. I've messed with the timing. Used starting fluid. Still won't start. It's close/sounds like it wants to. Just...doesn't. I'm about to switch back to my old stuff lol. I had it running fairly well before I did the team rush mods. :dunno:

Ben

Sooo, any luck getting it to start?

 

[Schvin]

Sooo, any luck getting it to start?

Sorry, been really busy at work and super tired when I get home all week. Yea....dumb rookie mistake on my part. I don't even wanna say it because I felt stupid once I realized it. BUT, for some reason when I put the new plug wires on, I went in proper firing order, but counterclockwise...so therefore the order WASNT right. Swapped the wires around in the proper firing order going clockwise, fired right up. I appreciate everyone's input btw.

Ben

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That is an easy mistake to make. I've done it........
LG