Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

Hi All,

My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
rarely but is becoming much more common.

After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
this is always the case.

Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
still will die.

It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
problem.

TIA....

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I second the coil.
God Bless America, Bill 0|||||||0
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

"GPW owner" <greg@dittman.org> wrote in message
news:1168990757.138346.275100@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I second the coil.
God Bless America, Bill 0|||||||0
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

"GPW owner" <greg@dittman.org> wrote in message
news:1168990757.138346.275100@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I second the coil.
God Bless America, Bill 0|||||||0
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

"GPW owner" <greg@dittman.org> wrote in message
news:1168990757.138346.275100@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I second the coil.
God Bless America, Bill 0|||||||0
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

"GPW owner" <greg@dittman.org> wrote in message
news:1168990757.138346.275100@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I would be thinking points and condenser. Maybe even the hold down foot
on the distributor. I have seen that rusty on some old engines so the
points or distributor wasn't grounded.

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)

GPW owner wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I would be thinking points and condenser. Maybe even the hold down foot
on the distributor. I have seen that rusty on some old engines so the
points or distributor wasn't grounded.

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)

GPW owner wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I would be thinking points and condenser. Maybe even the hold down foot
on the distributor. I have seen that rusty on some old engines so the
points or distributor wasn't grounded.

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)

GPW owner wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

I would be thinking points and condenser. Maybe even the hold down foot
on the distributor. I have seen that rusty on some old engines so the
points or distributor wasn't grounded.

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)

GPW owner wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> My Dad has a 1942 GPW that we use on some hilly property, which has
> developed a problem that we can't seem to solve. Basically the engine
> will just quit running for no apparent reason. This used to happen
> rarely but is becoming much more common.
>
> After it dies, it won't start until we leave the jeep sit for 20-40
> minutes and it will then start and run great. It seems to happen
> mostly on a slight incline but we still go up many hills without a
> problem. Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, as it
> happens when the weather is hot or cold, and when it's been running for
> a long time or not. Also, once when trouble-shooting, it wasn't
> getting a spark at the plugs, but I haven't been there to check if
> this is always the case.
>
> Based on some suggestions I've replaced the fuel pump, and the
> distributor cap (which we noticed was falling apart inside), and the
> spark plugs and wires at the same time. Now it runs real smooth, but
> still will die.
>
> It's now suggested that it could be the coil, or dirt in the float
> bowl, but I'm hoping someone has solved this before and can point me
> at the cause. Because the Jeep is at a vacation property, it's hard
> to try one thing just to wait till the next trip to see if it's still a
> problem.
>
> TIA....
>

Re: Engine dies and can't figure out why
 

Mike Romain wrote:
> I would be thinking points and condenser. Maybe even the hold down
> foot on the distributor. I have seen that rusty on some old engines
> so the points or distributor wasn't grounded.

OOOO.. Points! Now there is something I bet quite a few folks
these days know nothing about. :) (1)

Lemme try to remember.. the little braided wire corrodes,
the points wear and don't match flat, the spring sproings its
last sproing, the condenser goes out and your radio picks up only
the buzzzzzzzzz station just before the points arc out. And a
feeler gauge is not for setting spark plug gaps.

(1)Except the car nuts and us older than dirt folk.

--
DougW