[kgillette]

Ok, I have an 88 Yj 4.2. I bought it running, but idling ruff (P/O hadn't run it a year, he suggested using some carb cleaner). So I replace plugs, cap, rotor, oil: all on day 1. After some work on the interior, I decided to put it all back together and get her on the road. She wouldn't start. The engine was cranking, but slowly. So I replaced the battery and starter. After which the engine still was just cranking, but at the correct speed. So I replaced the fuel filter, then the fuel pump (it wasn't pumping the gas until after I stopped trying to start the jeep, it now pumps as soon as I turn the key). I threw in some dry gas and 2 gallons of fresh fuel. However it is still not starting up. So I looking for some suggestions as to what I can do next.

Quick Run Down:
Cranking wont start

Replaced/Work Done:
- Starter
- Cap+Roater
- Plugs
- Battery
- Fuel Pump
- Fuel Filter
- Oil Change
- Added Dry gas
- Added Fresh Fuel

any suggestions/direction would be greatly appreciated

[olyjeeper]

you need fuel, air and spark and compression in the cylinders. id just start making sure you have all those things when starting it. check for spark at the plugs. if you have good spark try pouring a little fuel in the carb and then cranking it. might want to do a compression test on the cylinders to make sure you dont have a problem there. if all those things are good and still no start you might want to start checking vacuum lines. i had an 88 with the 4.2 so i know what kind of vacuum mess is in those

might also want to think about upgrading to a fuel injection kit or a holley carb. those factory carbs are pretty hard to get running perfectly

[kgillette]

The carb isnt factory (although it could be a factory replacement P/O swapped it).

I checked all the vacuum line and then had it looked over by a buddy of mine and its all set, at-least according to the book.

Im going to do a compression check tonight. thanks.

[kgillette]

I also removed the valve cover to clean it up, if I didnt put this back on right (I cant get a screw on the back side in...) would this be causing my issues?

[tclaremont]

That is not causing the non-start issue, but it will surely lead to a heck of a leak.

Look down into the carb and move the throttle. Is it squirting fuel into the carb?

Does it fire at all, or does it just keep turning over?

Are you sure the plug wires are on the correct position at the cap?

What did you gap the plugs at?

Have you tried starting fluid into the carb? Does it fire when you turn it over?

How old was the gas in the tank (before you added some)?

The vacuum lines are a nightmare. Double check those.

Did you adjust the timing or inadvertantly turn the distributor?

If you REMOVED the distributor, did you put it back in the correct position?

Lots of things to check, I know!

[kgillette]

thanks for the response!

I ended up replacing the distributor this morning, it was then that I found out from an autozone guy that some times when you do replace the distributor people don't always put them back on right... mine was installed in a diff position by p/o, and since i was using the OEM firing order for the plugs, that was all outta wack.
so I pulled the first plug and waited for the "puff", corrected the wiring and vola! with alot of new parts it her she sounds waaay better then when I first got her.

Now its time to replace the rad and finishing putting the temp exhaust on. Then its time to plan for my yearly Adirondack camping trip :smile:

[jeepman709]

Mine sat for 4 yrs...just got it back on the road. Mine started hard to. You didnt say what kind of carb you have.If its a Carter,scrap it and put on a Weber. Put some marvel oil in the gas and a squirt in the cylinders. Also, it took me about a half hour of cranking and sputtering till it finally got going. Hook up a jumper cable to another vehicle to keep the starter cranking at max...good luck. Is the gas fresh? Did it have stabilizer? If not drain it and put in a few gallons of fresh 93 octane.

[tclaremont]

Hey kgillette, I am here in Rochester, too. Lets get together and sort this stuff out, because my 88 is a mess due to the previous owner, too.

[kgillette]

sounds good to me man. Im selling a bunch of stuff on ebay now to feed my jeep new parts..
Carb and Alum Valve Cover are next for me.

[tclaremont]

I have botht he carb and the aluminum valve cover if you still want them. I bought a bunch of stuff that I didnt need in order to get one thing I *did* need.

I am in Greece.

[kgillette]

Im in greece all the time, i do computer work for some companies out that way. Im just waiting for my ebay money to come in and then id love to get the cover from you. Im not sure just how much I have left, so I'll have to wait on the carb.


I actually just busted down on 31f today, so after some help from another jeeper I got out of the middle of the road, and then got a tow from good o'l aaa home.

[tclaremont]

I am reinstalling my carb today. Come out to Greece and help me out and I will give you either a MC2100 or a Weber (your choice) for your help. And at that point you will know how to install it!

[kgillette]

Just sent you a PM

[tclaremont]

Hey Kyle, it was good talking to you today. How did that bike handle in the rain?

Looks like the timing marks are hidden in plain sight. Mine just had a ton of dirt covering them. Timing should be a piece of cake once daylight arrives.

[kgillette]

Its great to have someone localy to share the woes :-), I took your advice and took 104 (just got a little wet) bypassed what most likely would have drenched me. After I got home I play with my distribuator and ended up adjusting closer to where it was origonaly (with correct wire locations now). After I get her started (and a little throttle) Ive got her idling at around 900-1100, fluters between the two.

Let me know if your still on for today, if your still home, if you want you can put the valve cover outside your garage and I'll pick it up and get it all cleaned up and painted before I come over tonight.