Carburetor Question – 79 CJ 304

Ozark · 10-30-2006, 09:28 AM

I have owned my 79 CJ-5 304ci for the last 25 years. It was always easy to start, just pump the gas, bump the starter and it fires right up. Now, I need to pour 1 or 2 ounces of fuel directly into the carburetor to start it. It runs fine afterwards. It will even restart when the engine is warm. It has the original carburetor, time for a new carburetor?

I’m new to the forum, your ideas and comments would be welcomed.

**BESRK** · 10-30-2006, 10:11 AM

Some carbs can develop internal leaks after being in service for several years. That lets all the fuel drain out and evaporate in the intake manifold overnight. Best bet is to replace the carb or strip it down, seal the leak with epoxy and rebuild it. Since it might be kind difficult to locate the leak, replacing the carb would be the easy way out.

doostdyk · 10-30-2006, 10:31 AM

Ya know, I have a 79 CJ7 with a 304 automatic, and I have to do a lot of pumping before it starts when cold. I rebuild the carb last spring and I still have the same problem. I also replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. No change.
SO... if I was to replace the carb, which one(s) would be good replacements?
Dave in WI

jeepdaddy2000 · 10-30-2006, 07:59 PM

I would check the choke first. Is it closed when cold? If not, then that could be your problem. Might want to see if the accelerator pump is working properly as well. With the engine off, Look down the carb throat. Pump the throttle linkage. Do you get a good squirt of fuel each time? If not, then you have a problem with the accelerator pump circut. An overhaul kit will have the replacement parts. BTW the stock Autolite is simple to go through.

Ozark · 10-30-2006, 08:57 PM

Thank you for the replies! I have spend most of the day researching and learning about carburetor options for the 79 304. I think I’ll stick with the basic/easy option and pick up a new MC2100. I probably attempt to rebuild the old carburetor for a spare (should be a good project for rebuild beginner).

kluman · 03-14-2010, 06:06 AM

My son has a 1979 CJ5 with an Eldebrock 1406. He put a kit in it and has adjusted the float. It still leaks around the accelerator pump and out of the vents on top of the airhorn. Any ideas?

jeepdaddy2000 · 03-15-2010, 08:36 AM

Needle and seat bad, float bad, float height not adjusted, excessive fuel pressure.
You sure dug up an old thread to ask this question

10-30-2006, 10:31 AM	#3
doostdyk Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Plymouth, WI Posts: 10 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Ya know, I have a 79 CJ7 with a 304 automatic, and I have to do a lot of pumping before it starts when cold. I rebuild the carb last spring and I still have the same problem. I also replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. No change. SO... if I was to replace the carb, which one(s) would be good replacements? Dave in WI

10-30-2006, 08:57 PM	#5
Ozark Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ashland, MO Posts: 22 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Thank you for the replies! I have spend most of the day researching and learning about carburetor options for the 79 304. I think I’ll stick with the basic/easy option and pick up a new MC2100. I probably attempt to rebuild the old carburetor for a spare (should be a good project for rebuild beginner).