Probably sound stupid, but What is this thing?

[backwoods86]

So im trying to get my engine of my 85 CJ7 (AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l - inline 6) up and running after sitting for some time. I've gone through all the electrical systems and everything seems to be good on that end. The engine cranks over a few times if you put a little fuel or carb cleaner in the bowl, but immediately dies out on me so naturally Im looking at the fuel system as the culprit.

Im looking at this can shaped object on the driver side of the engine compartment between the firewall and the wheel well. Im not 100% sure what it is. My best guess is it acts as a sort of housing for the fuel pump, an accumulator of sorts, or some sort of filter housing. Haynes doesn't really go into detail on the system so I am sure you guys could help out.

Thanks a lot everyone and if you have any other ideas for troubleshooting the issue I am all ears!!

 

[kennethlarkin]

Sounds like a charcoal canister, fuel pump would be attached to the engine. Its just to clear the toxins out of the emmissions/fuel vapor if it is that. I removed mine. take the 'after' pipe out of your fuel pump and turn the engine and see does it pump fuel into a saucepan for you. if not you may have clogged lines or bad pump. should fill a cup in about 30seconds.

 

[PaRenegade]

Yes, it's the charcoal canister for the gas vapors in your fuel system. I wouldn't think it's part of your problem though.

 

[backwoods86]

You guys nailed it. As far as the engine issue. I have pulled off the fuel line before the fuel filter and tried cranking it over....nothing, not even a drop. So i decided to pull off the fuel line before the pump and blew through the hose and i heard bubbles through the gas tank which leads me to believe that the fuel line is not blocked. So i guess the smart thing to do would be to replace the fuel pump and filter and see what happens.

Thanks for the insight. Ill keep ya posted

 

[Sasquach]

Also remember to orient your fuel filter with return fitting on top.

 

[backwoods86]

Ok so the battle continues, the jeep had sat for several months with little to no fuel in the tank while i was overseas. Originally the battery was dead and that's where I started to troubleshoot.

I replaced the battery and found that nothing was getting to the starter circuit.

I replaced the starter solenoid and got her to try to crank. She would roll over with a little carb cleaner in the bowl of the carburetor, but would immediately shut off once the carb cleaner burned off. Found that there was no fuel making it to the carburetor.

Then replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter and made sure to put the filter in so the vent return line was on top.

Now my issue is that the carburetor is getting fuel, but the engine doesn't want to turn over and continue. My next step is a new distributor and spark plugs, but beyond that I don't know what the next logical step would be short of rebuilding or replacing the carburetor. Can anyone offer any advice?

 

[tarry99]

Ok so the battle continues, the jeep had sat for several months with little to no fuel in the tank while i was overseas. Originally the battery was dead and that's where I started to troubleshoot.

I replaced the battery and found that nothing was getting to the starter circuit.

I replaced the starter solenoid and got her to try to crank. She would roll over with a little carb cleaner in the bowl of the carburetor, but would immediately shut off once the carb cleaner burned off. Found that there was no fuel making it to the carburetor.

Then replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter and made sure to put the filter in so the vent return line was on top.

Now my issue is that the carburetor is getting fuel, but the engine doesn't want to turn over and continue. My next step is a new distributor and spark plugs, but beyond that I don't know what the next logical step would be short of rebuilding or replacing the carburetor. Can anyone offer any advice?

Your Jumping around with to many things.........narrow it down at little. If it ran when you left plugs or electrical is probably not the problem unless you have knocked off a wire.

First does the motor turn over?
You say you now have fuel to the carb but it doesn't run?
But ...you also said it sat for a while and it was out of fuel. Old fuel or none at all will dry into a varnish like substance that could be plugging up the jets and or needle and seat at your carb bowl float.
Carb cleaner is not designed to be fuel.............take a little gas and slowly pour a little into the the throat of the carb , just a cap full and turn it over an see it it starts and runs for a few seconds. If it stops thats OK. Then pour a little gas into the carb vent stacks, that is the little brass angled tubes extending out of the top of the carb. and try starting it again. If it started when you poured it directly into the throat but not when you filled the vent tube then the carb is plugged up. Rebuild time.
The other thing I would do " First "is get some fresh gas in the tank and loosen the line to the carb and pump a little gas into a can to clear the line of any foreign matter..............be careful gas is flamable.