Question for you master mechanics

[Logan]

Check all of the vacuum lines to make sure none are loose or cracked. If one is bad the engine could lean out after the choke opens. One more thing check the ignition switch itself, bypass it with a straight wire job. I've seen one cause a similiar problem years ago.

 

[Bird]

That's a neat looking little Jeep, Rick. I know a lot of people sure were unhappy when they quit making them.

 

[JerryG]

Rick,
Looks like a fun little rig. You are right, the problem will be something that is awful simple when you find it. Those are the worse one. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[JDgreen227]

I had a '79 F150 pickup with the 302 V8 that I installed an aftermarket Sun tachometer on, the tach was triggered by a wire attached to the ignition coil. After about a year the engine began cutting off at speed, it would surge, then die, and usually would not restart for a while. It drove me nuts trying to deduce what the problem was, it always started fine when cold and there didn't seem to be anything wrong with coil, electronic control box, etc. After spending too much money buying new parts which didn't cure the problem, I decided to disconnect the tach coil wire to learn if that was the cause.

Yes, that was the problem. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif


Every since then, when I have a problem with a vehicle not running properly, the first thing I do is disconnect any add-on electrical equipment.

"awful simple", yes.

 

[JimR]

Your problem sure sounds like it is fuel related. Start with some basics first. Make sure you have a good spark at the plug end of the wires. If not , then check your coil wire at the distributer end. If not, then work back from there to find the short or loose wire, bad electronics whatever. If you have a good spark at the spark plug wire end, then attack the fuel system. Check the fuel flow from the fuel pump when cranking over the motor if the pump is mechanical. Go north from there if the flow is good. If not, go to the rear. The Jeep will run with a stuck EGR valve. It just won't run smoothly. You can close it with a screw driver and unhook the vaccuum line to keep it from working. A stuck heat riser will not keep it from running either. It will cause the manifold to heat up more than normal. Good luck tomorrow with your problem.

 

[bgott]

Does that thing run a Ford blue grommet module? The Ford module is about four inches square, about 1 1/2 inches thick, aluminum, mounts on the wheel house or the firewall and it has a blue grommet where the wires come out. If it does, change it. They are famous for crapping out and the symptoms are the same as a bad fuel pump.


I worked a car lot that ended up with one of those Jeeps that had a 318 Chrysler stuck off in it. No top, no seat belts. It would carry the front wheels for a half a block. We couldn't retail it in California because there was no way it would pass smog so I used it for a shop truck with a dealer plate. That is, until the boss caught me doing wheelies up and down Miner Ave. one day. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[RBManufacturing]

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the ideas. I had planned to tear into it this morning, but wife noticed a water spot on ceiling last night, so I guess I'll be on roof today. It is suppose to rain heavily tonight. Maybe tomorrow I'll work on the jeep.

bgott, I talked to a guy in Alabama yesterday, and he has a 454 c.i. v-8 in his postal jeep. Has 10 inch wide slicks. Says it will do wheelie at 3/4 throttle. Has never had it to the floor. Says he is afraid it would go over backwards. Now that's carrying the mail. It has stickers on it that say "POST THIS YOU SISSIES!" And one that says "GONE POSTAL". Thanks, Rick

 

[JDgreen227]

If that guy with the 454 V8 has the OEM rear axle in his jeep, no wonder he has never used full throttle.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Likely has a narrowed Ford 9 inch instead. Good luck with the roof project....

 

[RobertN]

The AMC corporate axle is actually pretty beefy. They tend to have an issue with twisting the axle tubes though when big engines or tires are added. Seems they did not weld the tubes to the carriar section with welds big enough for extra hp...

The frame would easily be suspect as a 454's weight and tourque could twist it up /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[bgott]

You need to weld the hubs to the axles, too. They don't have a keyway, just a Morse taper and it can be overcome with enough torque.