Starts....but won't idle

[Joel21]

Alright, I have a 1981 CJ7 AMC 304 . I changed the spark plugs (Bosch), the spark plug wires, it has a new battery, and new headers. I looked up how to clean the edelbrock carb and followed the directions to the tee. When it came to the part where I have to start it up and let it run until warm, it got started, after me giving it gas for about 2-5min it started to idle, but it was very rough and eventually shut off. It sounded like it choked, could it be too little gas or too much gas? I am new to the Jeep community, and need as much help as I can get. Thanks.

 

[Torxhead]

Never tried the Bosch plugs, have always heard the Autolites are best for the Motorcraft ignitions. Would also suggest the "Team Rush Upgrade" for the AMC 304 , as it helps prevent spark arcing under the cap and makes a better spark. As for the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, an auto repair manual or online for that, look up "Spark plug deposit charts". Carb float level setting is critical here, so make sure you have that set correctly.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Put your old plugs back in-
Only do 1 thing at a time.
Was your choke open?
Adjust idle maybe--
Look for vacuum leaks.
LG

 

[JR74CJ5]

Sounds simple, and don't take it as a attack, but I'm betting you may have switched a spark plug wire with it's neighbor...

It's happened

Check the easy stuff first.

Then move on to checking all plug gaps, make sure they're all correct, looking for the possible vac leak / timing slip / fuel mixture etc.

I'm still betting you may have one wire crossed on the firing order / plugs. Especially if will run but shakes violently / rough.

 

[zzzhopperzzz]

Sounds like the choke spring is too tight! On a cool but not cold morning, the choke blade should almost close leaving an eighth to a quarter inch air gap after one snap of the throttle.. If it is closing tightly, hold the throttle lever open and adjust it till it just cracks open (key off so not to heat choke). Be sure your choke wire is getting voltage after start.. (I'm assuming you have electric choke.)

 

[JR74CJ5]

OP,

Give us a update, are you starting better now?

What did you figure out?

 

[gutthans]

Well, everyone has Kind of covered it...but...

Do you smell gas or do your eyes burn when it's running? That would indicate misfire or overrich. That might trace back to the 2 crossed wires, or flooding at the carb due to float bowl level.

I'd double check the firing order first, then have someone keep it running while you adjusted the fuel levels.

Lumpy makes a great point about "one thing at a time" too I have run Bosch in several forms and found the plain old Autolite to be the most consistent, not to mention wayyy cheaper. You can always get a 'dead' plug in the box however...which is why changing your plugs, running it to check, and then moving on to the next thing makes sense.

 

[Joel21]

Sorry for not getting back with you guys it's been insanely busy at work, but I really appreciate all the feed back. I finally got it to run but it does shake pretty violently during idle. Where would I find out the firing order?

 

[gutthans]

Sorry for not getting back with you guys it's been insanely busy at work, but I really appreciate all the feed back. I finally got it to run but it does shake pretty violently during idle. Where would I find out the firing order?

1-5-3-6-2-4

 

[Lumpy Grits]

1-5-3-6-2-4

You left out 2 cly's----------

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2


LG

 

[gutthans]

You left out 2 cly's----------

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2


LG

Oh, so it was a V-8 then??? Oh well...

 

[JR74CJ5]

I finally got it to run but it does shake pretty violently during idle.

So when it's running, is it running good (sound good, accelerate good, etc), but the engine is shaking? or is it running rough?

Basically I want to know is it still engine problem, or Motor mount problem with the shaking...

 

[Joel21]

it does run a little rough, but when I changed out the headers I had to take off the driver side motor mount. Also, I changed the wires to the correct order and while I'm turning it over it goes for about 5-7secs and then it sounds like it's about to die. Could it be the starter, battery, or am I lost?

 

[JR74CJ5]

Ok - 1 thing at a time Remember we're not there, just know what you tell us so try to be very clear and descriptive.

1) Firing order is correct - check (Was it wrong originally when you started this thread?)

2) You replaced the manifolds with headers. Took off / loose the driver's side motor mount. This did get tightened back up correct? They are finicky. If not tightened, the motor will shake a lot, and it's not good to run it this way. (sure you know this)

3) When starting it, does it start? Or is it just turning over then lose power after few seconds? If the turning over "slows" down and you lose power, then yes battery is in need of recharge. If it's starting then wanting to die, could be timing is a bit off.