Engine stalls, then start again....i have an idea..

Hi all

My CJ-5 spent most of the winter outside in my driveway. I drove it twice this winter. Last week I started it and it started, but after 30 seconds of running great, It stopped. I started it again, it stopped again. I added fresh fuel and the problem was solved.

Yesterday I took the 5 for a ride around town. It did the same thing. But this time I got out of the street, and it started stalling. When it did, I either smash the gas to make it work, or came to a stop at re-started again. I went to the gas station, fill up, and it ran great.

I'm thinking clogged fuel filter, what do you think ? After that I'll use a spray of carb cleaner to clean it for good.

Any other ideas ?

 

Original ignition?

The Prestolite ignition module is notorious for just quitting, then a few minutes later, working fine.

Which carburetor do you have, the YF? Pretty easy to check the fuel flow. Disable the ignition (remove coil wire?) and direct the usual input to the carburetor to a jelly jar. Crank the engine, and you should be able to fill the jar in 20-30 seconds or so.

Check the dipstick for gas smell. If you've never replaced the fuel filter, replace it. Normally inadequate flow would happen on the highway or on hills, when the fuel demand is highest.

 

Also, on the ignition front, the reluctor cable (pickup wire to the distributor) connector can be trouble. Take the connector apart, clean it with contact cleaner, and assemble with a little silicone grease and wrap it up tight with tape. Another option is just to cut out the connector and solder the leads together, but that makes field repairs more difficult.

A better but more drastic option is the later Duraspark ignition with the TFI upgrade or the GM HEI.

 

The fuel filter was replaced 2 years ago when I got the jeep, so I'll just change it. I will also check all that is spark related. The ignition box was replaced at the end of last summer, so I guess it might not be the culprit.

Thanks for the input

 

I'd be pretty suspicious of something drifting around the float bowl, too. It may be worth the time to take the top of the carb off to check it out.