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oops - Changed points & Condensor, now won't start

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by TexColorado, May 6, 2008.

  1. May 6, 2008
    TexColorado

    TexColorado Member

    Reno, NV
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
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    167
    After reading the responses to my post a few days ago about my engine missing, I decided I would just change the points and condensor first since I don't know when they were changed last.

    I bought the parts, I guess I have the Delco distributor since it has the window on the distributor cap. That is what the parts guy told me. I am going off his (Napa) expertise. The set I took off was one unit, points with the condensor together. This new one is two pieced. I changed them out and hooked the condensor lead on the post with the wire from the condensor (I figured this is where it goes after looking at the set I took out, it had leads to the condensor).

    I put everything back together. I went to fire it up and I got a "putt-putt-putt" and it died. Are my points totally out of adjustment? I have a manual but it is very vague and this is the first time I have ever dealt with points. Can you tell I don't know what I am doing?

    Any ideas? Thanks.
     
    TexColorado, May 6, 2008
    #1
  2. May 6, 2008
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    did you set the point gap by bumping it onto a lobe and setting appropriate gap?
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, May 6, 2008
    #2
  3. May 6, 2008
    TexColorado

    TexColorado Member

    Reno, NV
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
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    I turned the engine over with a wrench per the instructions but I am unclear where the gap is measured.
     
    TexColorado, May 6, 2008
    #3
  4. May 6, 2008
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    If you have someone turn the motor over while your looking down at the points you'll see a lobe that will open and close the points every revolution. You bump the motor over until the high point on the lobe opens the points, then set the gap (not sure of gap-call NAPA they should know) by moving points ...then tighten in place. Re assemble...it should fire off
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, May 6, 2008
    #4
  5. May 6, 2008
    TexColorado

    TexColorado Member

    Reno, NV
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    The gap I have is supposed to be 0.016". Your description makes sense to me, thanks.
     
    TexColorado, May 6, 2008
    #5
  6. May 6, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Nov 6, 2002
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    You need a flat .016" feeler gauge to set the point gap per Jim's guidance above. In a pinch, a paper matchbook cover will usually be close enough to get it to fire over. ;)

    Also check to be certain that none of the wires or connectors on the wires leading to the points are pinched anywhere, or that the connector isn't twisted around and grounding out the points.
     
    w3srl, May 6, 2008
    #6
  7. May 6, 2008
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
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    Dec 30, 2004
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    605
    You could replace the points with a Pertronix kit and then not have to worry about setting the points.
     
    dohc281, May 6, 2008
    #7
  8. May 6, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    I'd be sure to fix the problem first before adding more factors to the equation, maybe just me though. :)
     
    sparky, May 6, 2008
    #8
  9. May 6, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    :iagree:

    Why complicate things with another variable when you don't need to? Get it running first since it ran before with points. THEN modify. YMMV. ;)
     
    w3srl, May 6, 2008
    #9
  10. May 7, 2008
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    Dec 20, 2007
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    844
    Double check the points spring and condenser lead are not grounded to distrib case. Once you get the hang of setting the points, $4 points every year are way cheaper than $80 pert setup. But hey, it's your call.
     
    jeeper50, May 7, 2008
    #10
  11. May 7, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Not that it's what this thread is about, but the Pertronix does have several advantages over the points that one might want to consider rather than shelling out $4 every year. ;)
     
    sparky, May 7, 2008
    #11
  12. May 7, 2008
    TexColorado

    TexColorado Member

    Reno, NV
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
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    All figured out. Thanks all for helping.

    The points were set wrong. The contact was not touching the distributor cam lobe. After readjusting it last night, I was able to drive it to work this morning.

    I agree, I will stick with the points instead of going to a new distributor.

    Thanks again.
     
    TexColorado, May 7, 2008
    #12
  13. May 7, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    No one suggested a new distributor here. Pertronix is a replacement for the points and condenser system. An HEI is a replacement distributor.
     
    sparky, May 7, 2008
    #13
  14. May 7, 2008
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    Good job :beer:
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, May 7, 2008
    #14
  15. May 7, 2008
    TexColorado

    TexColorado Member

    Reno, NV
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    I told you I don't know much about ignitions. :)
     
    TexColorado, May 7, 2008
    #15
  16. May 7, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    You're learning then. :)
     
    sparky, May 7, 2008
    #16
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