68' Cj-5 Starting Issues After Sitting 4 Years

I've finally started working on my CJ-5 again. Installed new gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs and charged the battery.

In able to get the engine to start. I'm not use to letting an engine sit this long. Any suggestions for things to check?

FYI, the fuel filter is the clear kind. So I can see fuel is making it at least into the filter.

Also is a 225 V6.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Remove the spark plugs and squirt a light oil such as Marvel Mystery Oil into the cylinders and let sit for a while to soak the piston rings. Have fresh clean oil in crankcase, fresh gas in the fuel system. After cylinder oil soaking crank the engine over to purge any remaining oil out of the cylinders, this should also build engine oil pressure and pump gas to the carburetor. You could also remove the rocker covers to check for oil reaching the top end and maybe squirt oil onto the valve stems and rockers. You could also static time the distributer. Re-install the spark plugs and wires. Make sure the transmission is in neutral and chock the tires. Be sure the coolant level is adequate. Have a fire extinguisher at the ready. Try starting the engine, if it doesn't catch right away (and presuming you have spark at the plugs) you may have to squirt a SMALL amount of gas into the carburetor and crank the engine over. Once it starts immediately looks for any fuel or oil leaks and watch for adequate oil pressure.
If you can, have a helper assist with the starting process. A second set of eyes and ears can be very helpful.

 

I would certainly want to clean and gap the points, before going deep.

 

Thanks! I will try all of this tonight.

 

If you already started the engine, lubing the cylinders is a moot point.
Monitor the oil pressure and the engine temps.

You will want to inspect/replace the hoses, belts, master cylinder, brakes, and any thing else that may degrade while sitting.
An ignition inspection (points, plug wires, and timing) as well.
Be sure to get the engine up to operating temps at least once prior to driving.

DON'T FORGET TO INSURE ALL THE BOXES ARE FULL. Nothing worse than taking off feeling all good about yourself and the work you did on the engine just to have the diff smoke itself due to a lack of lube.

 

Just to give an update.

Removed the spark plugs and squirt Marvel Mystery Oil into the cylinders and let sit
Changed the oil and oil filter
Oil in crankcase
New Gas tank
New fuel lines
New fuel filter
New Fuel pump
New Battery
New spark plugs
New air filter
SMALL amount of gas into the carburetor (also tried starting fluid)

Still would not start

I noticed that the starter sounded weak. So I replaced that and it sounds a lot better but still no luck on getting it started.

Could it be the distributor or the points? Maybe the starter solenoid?

 

Well, I guess it shouldn't be the starter solenoid. The new starter came with one.

 

Have you checked for spark?
Light corrosion on points is a commonplace and will not allow spark.

 

Absolutely! First thing to check and set, after putting gas in the tank. Maybe even do a static timing.

Logical diagnosis is not possible until a basic tune-up is verified to FSM specs. Replacing random parts is just chasing your tail, and slower in the long run.

 

Was the djeep running 4 years ago? If yes no need to change parts or settings yet.
You need three things:
1) Fuel - if you used starting fluid or a little gas in the carb you covered the fuel requirement.
2) Compression - since you had plugs out, put oil in cylinders and then cranked the engine did you get real force blowing oil out each plug hole? That would indicate some compression
3) Spark - did you check for spark? Pull the center wire of the distributor and hold it 1/8” from bare metal on the body or engine while someone cranks the starter. Do you see a spark? If yes put the wire back on the distributor and check next if there is spark at the plug wires. If you didnt see spark from the distributor center wire you have narrowed the problem to point contacts and coil so you can do some simple troubleshooting.

 

Yes, it was running 4 years ago. I used a spark check on the spark plug wires and got nothing. Tomorrow I will check the center wire as you suggested. I didn't see this post. Need to check my account settings. Not getting any email notice of replies.

 

Turn the ignition on, remove the distributor cap, make sure the points are closed, hold the coil wire next to the block and open the points with a screwdriver, the coil wire should throw a spark. If not clean the points, or replace them, and try it again. Make sure the coil has power from the ignition switch. Good Luck.

 

I suggest a non conductor or you run the risk of continuing the grounding path.
A fingernail works the best.