What distributor do I have?

[dagwoodzz]

Pulling the utility trailer I noticed lack of power after 55mph. Don't know how long since last tune-up. Got new cap rotor wires and plugs. The stock distributor was much smaller than what I had. Took the old one off and to the parts store. The clerk found it matched the 85' chevy C-10 v-6 distributor cap. Not sure what the PO did for ignition upgrade. Anybody know what kind of ignition system I have? It's '85 Cj straight 6. Replaced cap & rotor button, but no fire. Ran out of daylight so haven't got to trouble shoot. Probably have something backwards. As always any help is appreciated, will post pics tomorrow if needed.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

First off a pick would be the best way to determine what you have. However I hear a rumor that a Chevy inline 6 like those found in novas and pick up are HEI and a direct swap into AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l 's once you swap the distributor gear. Do you have a wife that runs to a coil? If you only have 6 plug wires and no coil wire then you have an HEI.

In either case if you swapped the wires and plugs and now it won't start I'd say you may have a wire out of sequence for the firing order. Find out what the firing sequence is, set the motor to TDC on the compression stroke, pull the cap to make sure #1 cylinder is matching up to the post that lines up with the rotor then set the rest of your plugs from there.

If it is a HEI distributor make sure the wires are in the front of it correctly and the hot one is getting 12v of power. If its not a HEI then Make sure the coil is getting power to it.

 

[dagwoodzz]

"If it is a HEI distributor make sure the wires are in the front of it correctly and the hot one is getting 12v of power. If its not a HEI then Make sure the coil is getting power to it."


You just turned the light on. There are two terminals at the coil (mounted directly on top of D Cap) labeled tack and batt. I reconnected the terminal to the tack.

The coil is probably not gettomg 12v's. Will check tonight as well post some pics.

Thanks, -D

 

[dagwoodzz]

Here r the pics.




Moved the 12v connection to the right place and started 1st try. Still don't have good power in top gears. Wires I got were precut for stock and too short for the mod. I will have to get sum and cut to fit. Wires and plugs look to be in good shape so thinking this isn't going to fix my problem. Let u know for sure when I get it completed. Thanks for the hint about 12v, saved me a lot of troubleshooting

 

[johnnyreb]

need to check you timimg.

 

[73CJ]

Definitely HEI but doesn't look GM.

Does it have a aftermarket cam? That can change your timing.

 

[dagwoodzz]

Definitely HEI but doesn't look GM.

Does it have a aftermarket cam? That can change your timing.

I bought it off CraigsList the PO never even titled in his name. Needless to say I didn't get much history on it. There is going to be a lot of learn as you go with this one. It has run strong the 9 months I've had it. As things need maintenance it will be a PITA. You get what you pay for and I did get it cheap.

 

[johnnyreb]

start with a good basic tune up

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Check for vacuum leaks.. with the motor running spry around your vacuum lnes with some starting fluid.. If it picks up idle you have a leak and need to track it down and take it off.. It looks like who ever did the nutter/HEI install did a shady job. you may also need to run your 12v power off a relay from the battery. They are very needy distributors for 12volts and if the PO wired it off the ignition switch theres a link that will cut the power down to less then 12v for the stock coil. To check it you can make a jumper from the battery directly to the 12v on the dizzy to the battery.. then go inside the jeep and start it.. you can drive it like that and see how it runs.. if its good you need a realy.. if it the same you still needa relay and you may have carb/vacuum leak. To shut it back off you will need to disconnect the jumper wire from the battery.

I would go back through the wiring and weed out all the loose and not needed wires and vacuum lines. check all the rest of my lines for leaks, pull my rotor and cap to make sure the mechanical and vacuum advances are working, pull yor plugs to see what they look like and post pics of them (check after driving it for a while to burn off any old carbon) then, post pics of or tell us what carb your running.

 

[dagwoodzz]

I threw the old plugs away. Here's a pic of the new ones from right to left is front to back on motor. Looks like 2 and 5 have some carbon. Compression from front to back is

145
AMC 150
AMC 150
145
140
140

The guy who checked my compression thought it was working properly just the jeep is geared to high and the carb can't pass enough gas. He suggested leaving it in 3rd when pulling the trailer.

I will take the lid off and post pics of carb later. Dunno what carb I have

 

[johnnyreb]

no offense, but ditch the ACplugs. I only run autolite plugs. Whats your gear ratio, carb type? I would verify that conpression reading seems low. Outside plugs usually starve slightly for fuel. Whats the mileage?

 

[NorthwestCJer]

With HEI you need to gap your plugs wider. .050
That is a 80's HEI from Chev 235 straight I6. Could be found in C10's or Novas, etc.

I am only assuming here, and I despise doing that because people are usually wrong.
85 CJ7 would have came with a I6, not a V6 like in your sig. Your pics also confirm the I6.
You probably have 2.72 gear ratio. This is extremely common in these years.
If you have any larger than stock tires on that jeep?? it will not have much power.

Give us some more specs to better help answer the question.

 

[dagwoodzz]

Sorry for the inactivity. Had to do the garden last w/end. Wheels r 33's. here r some pics of the carb. Do not know what tranny I have other than 4 spd manual. It is geared high. I have to go 4-wheel low when backing the trailer. If I just use 1st or reverse in 2wd I have to fight the clutch the whole time. 4lo is slow enough to not need the clutch.

 

[johnnyreb]

looks like a carter, make good door stops. Loose the carb, get an adapter and put a MC2100 on it. You won't be sorry.

 

[Tinman22]

Hey a least its a non electronic bbd.