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backfire but no start.

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by GeoffreyL, Nov 2, 2013.

  1. Jan 28, 2014
    jeepcj

    jeepcj Member

    cincy, Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2009
    Messages:
    601
    I believe you can hook up your timing light and crank the engine over and watch the light, it should flash and let you know what your initial timing is set at, then you will have more of a idea of if it is too retarded or advanced and adjust from there.
     
  2. Jan 28, 2014
    Middlefork Miner

    Middlefork Miner Member

    N. Highlands Ca
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2013
    Messages:
    187
    One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the possible condition of the plug wires to ALL the plugs. You can damage plug wires if you pull on them wrong. Spark at only the #1 plug, won't get your engine running.
     
  3. Jan 29, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2012
    Messages:
    1,427
    Geoffrey, I agree it seems off on timing. Try turning it a bit then attempt start...turn more....attempt start. Usually a few minutes trial n error will get you there. I remember fondly how well that little f head ran on varnish. On real gas it should do great!
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2014
  4. Jan 30, 2014
    flatyfreek

    flatyfreek Member

    Hillsburrito, OR
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2013
    Messages:
    78
    Here's how to static time your jeep:

    Find your timing mark.
    Remove the distributor cap.
    Turn your engine by hand to the timing mark on the #1 compression stroke.
    Verify your rotor is pointing to where the #1 plug wire is on your cap.
    Your points should just be starting to open at this point
    If not, loosen the distributor, turn key on, but do not crank the engine
    Slowly turn the distributor until you hear the points spark.
    Lock down the distributor, it's now timed.
    Crank the engine with the cap off to verify rotation.
    Verify wire positions and try to start the engine.
     
  5. Jan 30, 2014
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    You can also take the coil wire off of the distributor side and the other end off the coil will spark when near ground.
     
  6. Feb 19, 2014
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2012
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    1,521
    Where do i find the timing marks? i dont see any or know where to look. Thanks. i tried loosening it today and turning it and still nothing...i'm so frustrated i'm ready to take it somewhere.
     
  7. Feb 19, 2014
    jasonjp62

    jasonjp62 Member

    Pennsboro WV.
    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2009
    Messages:
    799
    [​IMG]QUOTE=GeoffreyL;1142010]Where do i find the timing marks? i dont see any or know where to look. Thanks. i tried loosening it today and turning it and still nothing...i'm so frustrated i'm ready to take it somewhere.[/QUOTE]

    Look on your crank pulley on the passenger side you should see the indicator, there will be a notch on the pulley itself.
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2014
  8. Feb 19, 2014
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    Aug 1, 2012
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    1,521
    Look on your crank pulley on the passenger side you should see the indicator, there will be a notch on the pulley itself.[/QUOTE]

    Thanks!! i found both! its dark out now, i'll try it tomorrow!! hopefully it will run and i can move on to the fun stuff like brake, lift,tires, fluid changing etc.
     
  9. Feb 20, 2014
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    A dab of white paint, or some chalk, will help the notch show up for the timing light.
     
  10. Feb 20, 2014
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    2,793
    I use white nail polish to mark my indicators. Really shows up when the timing light fires on them.
     
  11. Feb 20, 2014
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2012
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    1,521
    I want to give a big thank-you to everyone who helped out and point me in the right direction, i finally got it running today! it drove 10 feet today under its own power for the first time in over 20 years... Now powered by a new to me f-head (thanks Frank!), looking forward to moving on to the fun stuff and putting it on the road eventually!
     
  12. Feb 20, 2014
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

    east of west,...
    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
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    352
    Ok, now what did you do to get it started?????
     
  13. Feb 21, 2014
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2012
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    1,521
    The plug wires were off by one and the distributor came loose between when I bought and and put it in so it needed adjusted as well. It started right up! I had a mini celebration, put the rad/grille on and put antifreeze in but its leaking around the waterpump so time to get a new on and put it on there, but I did drive it 10 feet!
     
  14. Feb 21, 2014
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

    east of west,...
    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
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    352
    Good deal, now your ready to roll!!!!
     
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