Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?

I am more inclined to think dirty connection.

I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
> It's not the fuel filter, one of the first things we tried was throwing
> some gas in the carb.
>
> I'll try to run some more tests as soon as I get someone to help me.
>
> So, based on what I think you're saying, I should suspect the ignition
> module. My thinking here is the flash on the timing light indicates
> that the ignition module probably isn't sending the right signals to the
> coil in the 'start' position. Is this what you're thinking, Mike?
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> Yes, I think so mostly because I am on this side of the computer.
>>
>> I believe your coil is OK because of the flash on the timing light.
>>
>> Using a test light or meter makes life a 'lot' easier.
>>
>> When the key is in 'run', a test light should light up when hooked to
>> the coil positive.
>>
>> The test light should stay lit when someone turns the key more to
>> 'start' and the starter cranks.
>>
>> If this happens, then put the test light on the negative side of the
>> coil and watch when someone cranks it. It should pulse or flicker.
>>
>> If no pulsing, suspect the ignition module or coil pickup. There are
>> meter tests for the coil pickup. You need a multimeter for this. It
>> is easy.
>>
>> Then you also should open the air filter, hold the choke open and hand
>> move the throttle linkage to watch the two squirts of gas that has to
>> be happening. If no gas, get back to us or toss a quarter cup of gas
>> in the carb and try it again to see what happens. If you get a roar,
>> suspect a blocked gas filter.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> The Merg wrote:
>>> I have a test light - I'm assuming I need to check the wires going
>>> 'to' the coil? I'm pretty sure my dad has meters around too, at
>>> least he did last I checked.
>>> So I still need to check if the coil is getting power even though
>>> nothing happened when power was run directly to it?
>>>
>>> Mike Romain wrote:
>>>> You need to find out if the coil is getting power or if the ignition
>>>> module has issues. You need a meter or test light to do this.
>>>>
>>>> Mike
>>>>
>>>> The Merg wrote:
>>>>> I tried jumping directly to the coil, got nothing. I think I did
>>>>> it right - it was hard to shove the cable in there, but anyway,
>>>>> this indicates a bad coil then?
>>>>>
>>>>> Mike Romain wrote:
>>>>>> No.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If the ballast 'wire' was bad, the engine would fire up and run as
>>>>>> long as the starter is turning. The engine would then die as the
>>>>>> key goes to run.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> He has the opposite happening. He gets one spark flash as the key
>>>>>> goes to run which indicates a bad ballast bypass wire from the
>>>>>> solenoid to the coil or an ignition module issue.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> He needs a multimeter or he will end up going nuts tossing parts
>>>>>> at a non starter.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Running a power line directly to the coil positive will sort that
>>>>>> out fast.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Mike
>>>>>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>>>>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>>>>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>>>>>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>>>>>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
it's been sitting for three years.

My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.

Mike Romain wrote:
> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>
> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>
> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>
> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
it's been sitting for three years.

My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.

Mike Romain wrote:
> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>
> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>
> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>
> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
it's been sitting for three years.

My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.

Mike Romain wrote:
> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>
> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>
> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>
> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
it's been sitting for three years.

My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.

Mike Romain wrote:
> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>
> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>
> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>
> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

Cool, try the booster cable to the body test anyway, that has started an
amazing number of vehicles that I know of, especially rust belt ones...

You also need to verify those gas jets into the carb when you hit the
throttle!

An induction timing light can 'Really' lie and show no flash if a 258
engine isn't getting gas. It is strange but very true. I, for one of
many have chased spark parts all over only to find out the timing light
I used as a benchmark wouldn't light with no gas present.

Had one with no light flash on cylinder 1 to 3 with a really bad idle
and after swapping 'every' electrical part we figured out the damn carb
had a blocked idle tube, which by the way is really common and easy to fix.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
> The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
> true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
> it's been sitting for three years.
>
> My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>>
>> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>>
>> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
>> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>>
>> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

Cool, try the booster cable to the body test anyway, that has started an
amazing number of vehicles that I know of, especially rust belt ones...

You also need to verify those gas jets into the carb when you hit the
throttle!

An induction timing light can 'Really' lie and show no flash if a 258
engine isn't getting gas. It is strange but very true. I, for one of
many have chased spark parts all over only to find out the timing light
I used as a benchmark wouldn't light with no gas present.

Had one with no light flash on cylinder 1 to 3 with a really bad idle
and after swapping 'every' electrical part we figured out the damn carb
had a blocked idle tube, which by the way is really common and easy to fix.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
> The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
> true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
> it's been sitting for three years.
>
> My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>>
>> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>>
>> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
>> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>>
>> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

Cool, try the booster cable to the body test anyway, that has started an
amazing number of vehicles that I know of, especially rust belt ones...

You also need to verify those gas jets into the carb when you hit the
throttle!

An induction timing light can 'Really' lie and show no flash if a 258
engine isn't getting gas. It is strange but very true. I, for one of
many have chased spark parts all over only to find out the timing light
I used as a benchmark wouldn't light with no gas present.

Had one with no light flash on cylinder 1 to 3 with a really bad idle
and after swapping 'every' electrical part we figured out the damn carb
had a blocked idle tube, which by the way is really common and easy to fix.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
> The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
> true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
> it's been sitting for three years.
>
> My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>>
>> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>>
>> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
>> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>>
>> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

Cool, try the booster cable to the body test anyway, that has started an
amazing number of vehicles that I know of, especially rust belt ones...

You also need to verify those gas jets into the carb when you hit the
throttle!

An induction timing light can 'Really' lie and show no flash if a 258
engine isn't getting gas. It is strange but very true. I, for one of
many have chased spark parts all over only to find out the timing light
I used as a benchmark wouldn't light with no gas present.

Had one with no light flash on cylinder 1 to 3 with a really bad idle
and after swapping 'every' electrical part we figured out the damn carb
had a blocked idle tube, which by the way is really common and easy to fix.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
> The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
> true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
> it's been sitting for three years.
>
> My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>>
>> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>>
>> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
>> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>>
>> Mike

Re: Brand new '89 YJ
 

I'll check for the gas, but if that were the problem wouldn't it have
started at least for a second when we put gas in the carb?
I did spray the carb down with tb cleaner, but didn't really give it a
really thorough cleaning, which I'll do soon. (by the way, is there a
difference between carb cleaner and TB cleaner?)

With the cable to body test, I'm essentially checking to see if my
ground is screwed up?

Sorry for so many questions for explanations, but if I can understand
the theory behind what you're telling me to check, I'll be better able
to make sure I'm doing everything right - and next time, I won't have to
bother you.

As always, thanks a lot.

Mike Romain wrote:
> Cool, try the booster cable to the body test anyway, that has started an
> amazing number of vehicles that I know of, especially rust belt ones...
>
> You also need to verify those gas jets into the carb when you hit the
> throttle!
>
> An induction timing light can 'Really' lie and show no flash if a 258
> engine isn't getting gas. It is strange but very true. I, for one of
> many have chased spark parts all over only to find out the timing light
> I used as a benchmark wouldn't light with no gas present.
>
> Had one with no light flash on cylinder 1 to 3 with a really bad idle
> and after swapping 'every' electrical part we figured out the damn carb
> had a blocked idle tube, which by the way is really common and easy to fix.
>
> Mike
>
> The Merg wrote:
>> The PO told us that the starter had died. This is most definitely not
>> true, so it's kinda hard to believe anything he told us. Of course,
>> it's been sitting for three years.
>>
>> My pop's home, it appears that we do indeed have a multimeter.
>>
>> Mike Romain wrote:
>>> Did the previous owner give any indication of problems?
>>>
>>> I am more inclined to think dirty connection.
>>>
>>> I would next if solo try running a booster cable from the battery
>>> negative to the body of the Jeep and see what happens.
>>>
>>> Mike