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Ok fellas here' whats going on. I just purchased this jeep, the seller stated that all it needed was a carb. The jeep would idle but barely and would not take throttle. I ordered a brandnew Solex replacement carb and bolted it on. Same problem persists with the new carb. It's getting fuel(good stream with pumped). Im thinking it's timing related but Im kinda at a loss. It has been converted to 12v and he has stuff going everywhere. Any ideas on where I can start to look for timing/electrical issues? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I've spent over my budget for a jeep that was supposed to good to go, so Im pretty upset that it's not the case.

Thanks
Casey

Wes is really the expert on this stuff and it seems like right now your shotgunning, check the troubleshooting section. Have you checked the coil out , I`m a rookie but I might check that. Jim

Start with the basics.

1-Fuel
You said you have confirmed fuel is plentiful & available to the intake manifold.

2-Air
Make sure you don't have a nest in the intake. Make sure you are not sucking in a lot of air through a cracked intake or bad gaskets.


3-Ignition
If you still have the military ignition system remove the spark plugs then re-attach them to their leads. Crank the engine and see if you have spark at all 4.

If you have civvy ignition and plugs do the same but you will have to ground the plug bases to the head.

Let us know what you find and we can proceed from there.

I suggest a compression test and if you can get it to run a vacuum test. To get technical you could also do a leak-down test which will give you an idea of what internal engine parts are worn and how bad.

These engines are really well designed and will often continue to run long after they are actually worn out... but not very well I should add.

But don't feel alone. I bet everybody who has bought an old jeep has been in the same situation at one point or another. Some times over and over

wesk wrote:Start with the basics.

1-Fuel
You said you have confirmed fuel is plentiful & available to the intake manifold.

2-Air
Make sure you don't have a nest in the intake. Make sure you are not sucking in a lot of air through a cracked intake or bad gaskets.


3-Ignition
If you still have the military ignition system remove the spark plugs then re-attach them to their leads. Crank the engine and see if you have spark at all 4.

If you have civvy ignition and plugs do the same but you will have to ground the plug bases to the head.

Let us know what you find and we can proceed from there.

Will the air cleaner make a difference, Ive had it off this whole time?
I have checked spark at the plugs and there is a spark.
Also I have checked for air leaks by spraying starter fluid around the base of the carb and etc, with no change in idle or running condition.

Thanks for the input guys.

No, the air cleaner won't cause your issues. You said

" A spark"

. Does that mean it only sparked once or you only checked one plug? Do you have a military ignition system or civilian?

wesk wrote:No, the air cleaner won't cause your issues. You said

" A spark"

. Does that mean it only sparked once or you only checked one plug? Do you have a military ignition system or civilian?

It has continuous spark while cranking, I only checked #1 plug though.
Im guessing it's civilian ignition system, It has a key switch, coil mounted on fenderwell, solenoid on firewall, the distributer does not look the one picyured in the manuals.

I had my distributer out 1 notch and it gave me similar symtoms

You have air, fuel and spark but no fire. That leaves two directions to proceed. It's time for either a compression test or timing check. Have you any experience doing either one?

wesk wrote:You have air, fuel and spark but no fire. That leaves two directions to proceed. It's time for either a compression test or timing check. Have you any experience doing either one?

Compression test yes, and timing yes but not on a jeep like this. Do I need that timing adapter? Any timing tips would be appreciated. I can also provide photos very easily if you need any visuals.

Thanks
Casey

It would help a lot if you would answer all the questions above.

Does your jeep have a military or civilian electrical system?
Does your jeep have a military or civilian ignition system?
Have you checked the other three plugs for spark yet?

Compressions are done the standard way. All plugs removed, throttle and choke plates held wide open, battery fully charged.

Look in our downloads section for the timing how too.

Do you understand how to position #1 cylinder TDC on compression stroke?

Do you know where your timing marks are?

wesk wrote:It would help a lot if you would answer all the questions above.

Does your jeep have a military or civilian electrical system?
Does your jeep have a military or civilian ignition system?
Have you checked the other three plugs for spark yet?

Compressions are done the standard way. All plugs removed, throttle and choke plates held wide open, battery fully charged.

Look in our downloads section for the timing how too.

Do you understand how to position #1 cylinder TDC on compression stroke?

Do you know where your timing marks are?

Civilian ignition system, I have not got a chance to check the other three plugs, Im at the station for 24hrs today.
I have #1 on TDC, but I do not know where the timing marks are.

Thanks

The M38 came early with the old civvy CJ3A small round inspection window in the bell housing adapter plate just above the starter. The marks were stamped on the front face of the flywheel. The later M38's came with the marks on the front timing cover and crank pulley. Many of the earlier units were modified with a notched crank pulley and timing marks on the timing gear cover.

Ok, I get get it turn fire off now, but it stutters,stumbles and will not take throttle. Any pointers? I have tried ajusting the fuel/air screw on the carb but dont seem to even make a difference


Thanks

I know it sucks diagnosing over the internet, and the phone is not much better, but if somebody is willing to walk me through something over the phone it sure would be appreciated. i can be reached at 214-205-2420. Im out here messing with it right now. I just cant for the life of me to get it to idle smooth and take throttle.

How much of a stream should the car squirt when you pump it? Should it dribble or should it be a pretty solid stream?