[jeepe]

Have an 86 CJ7 restored top to bottom about 3 yrs ago. The jeep has a 304 with about 4500 miles on it. Use the Jeep for fun and a train station commuter...live in NY. Was driving home one night, doing about 45 mph and the motor just died...pulled over and set up a "come get me". While waiting, it started right up and I proceeded about 1 mile and it died again...pulled over and it started right back up again so I proceeded on my way. Died about 5 or 6 times within 5 miles. I was on the phone with my "come get me" so I could keep her posted on my whereabouts. Finally made it home but have not driven it since. I start it frequently...it runs for a minute then dies...start right back up though, then dies again. All said, I am afraid to take it anywhere since I know its just going to die at some time or another. I'm not the most gifted in electrical or gas flow so I am seeking your opinion on what could be the culprit. Is it electrical or carb related? I checked all electrical coming from the battery and also checked all distributor connections...all is good. What could be the problem? A vacuum problem? Or is it electrical? Please help because I want this thing back on the road.

[breakthru]

Ignition switch gone/going bad?

C

[JeepnBlake]

might be fuel pump

[jatepper]

Originally Posted by breakthru

Ignition switch gone/going bad?

C

X2 on a possible ignition problem. Have a mech check it out...or atleast an experience buddy.

Problem sucks! Good luck in figuring it out

[DZRDR65]

Use test light on pos side of coil, start it and see if you have juice there when it stalls. If no juice when it dies go back to ign switch. If yes juice when it dies pull easiest plug wire, use alternate plug and fire up again.(will skip on missing cylinder) does plug continue to spark till last rotation of engine? If it cuts out and then dies after spark failure look at distributor or conections to ECM. If it goes to the bitter end look at fuel.
Good luck.
LEO

[John N]

I'd bet on the ignition module.

[jeepin-G]

I've had a similar problem in my 79 CJ5, 304 V8. It was the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Its a flat square body thingy (approx. 1.5 x 4.5 x 5.5) bolted on the drivers side fender-well right in front of the firewall. When mine warmed up a bit the engine would stop. Let it cool for 10 minutes, the engine would run for another 10 to 20 minutes. I checked spark, grounds, wires, fuseable links, etc. It wasn't until I replaced the ECU that engine stopped playing dead.
Apparently when some electronic devices get weak, they fail when they get hot, then work when they get colder.? It was about $50 5 years ago.

[80cj]

Originally Posted by John N

I'd bet on the ignition module.

That's how mine acted. I went through 4 modules over the years and now I have a DUI HEI.

[John Strenk]

I just replaced my DuraSpark module with an HEI module. No need to replace the distributor.

Replacement DuraSpark module last just long enough to sell the vehical.