new CJ5 running on 1 cylinder

Don't start swapping stuff at random until you get it running, or you will just confuse the diagnosis. One thing at a time is the way to fix this.

 

pull a plug, connect the wire and lay it against the block so it grounds, then have someone crank it while you watch the plug, you should have a nice white/blue spark if its yellow or redish replace the coil and do it again, you should have white/blue spark for it to start. if it has good spark, either try spraying ether in the carb with the choke off and throttle wide open or spray a little in each cylinder, put the plug on and see if it will start (but do this fast so it doesnt evaporate) if it start then you have a fuel delivery problem.

 

I did what you said and got no spark at all. The only spark was on the side of the plug that was touching the block.

I grabbed another plug I had laying around and tried it again. Then I got red spark. Im assuming the coil is bad?
So I need plugs and a coil? If so is the Ford coil ok to use? It puts out a good amount of spark and I have an extra one in the garage.

 

4 new plugs and still not starting.

 

is this with a new coil?

 

I tried with the original coil then swapped in the Ford coil. Still no start but I am going to buy new wires and a stock coil to see if that does it

 

Have you checked for compression in the other 3 cylinders? The valves could be hanging up or not openning.

 

That did cross my mind as well and I do have a compression tester. I just don't get why it was running before and now its not starting at all. The plugs are very wet when pulled as well. I've double/triple checked the wiring as well making sure they aren't on the wrong plugs.

 

Sounds like it is flooded maybe?

 

Yes definitely, it has a very strong fuel smell to it as well. I've let it sit overnight before cranking again as well and it really didn't make a difference. I have a strong suspicion these wires are crap. They look and feel very old - fingers crossed.

Its getting really frustrating since it was running when I bought it and I really want to take my two boys for a spin in it. Oh well, I'll get it eventually.

 

Where abouts in the country are you? not in New Jersey by any chance are ya?

 

She's Running!!!

Well don't I feel dumb. I had the wiring wrong. I had #1 on the 3 o'clock position of the distributor and upon a day long internet search I found it should be on the 6 o'clock position.

A quick redo of the wiring, and she fired right up! And its running on all 4 cylinders. I am currently using the Ford coil because the old one actually had rust inside the contact. Runs great and Took it for a spin.Tons of fun! Thank you for all the help, I know I'll need more as I move forward restoring it.

 

See Post #3

 

Yes you are both correct. Every time I looked for cylinder #1 to match up on the cap it showed the 3 o'clock position so I ran the wires from there. Once I realized the 6 o'clock position was right I switched it and all is well thank god.

 

Whats a 4 page thread without pictures of the actual Jeep? She's in rough shape in regards to the body, but a solid frame and drivetrain are underneath. I'll begin with the body work soon.

 

Not so rough. I like it.