Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
& external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
(local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
battery is dead again.

Recap:
76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
New battery
New alternator
New voltage regulator
New ignition module
new pick-up coil
fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.

mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
methinks it's something deeper.

did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
yikes.

Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
the cure?

thanks!

Mel

 

A connection comes to my mind.

The ground to the body tub is the first one. I would be making sure the
wire mesh strap from the engine to the firewall is solid. You might
have one from the battery to the firewall too.

If the body doesn't have a good ground, that regulator won't fire up and
the lights can drain the battery down. The alternator need a good
ground too.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Mel wrote:
>
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

A connection comes to my mind.

The ground to the body tub is the first one. I would be making sure the
wire mesh strap from the engine to the firewall is solid. You might
have one from the battery to the firewall too.

If the body doesn't have a good ground, that regulator won't fire up and
the lights can drain the battery down. The alternator need a good
ground too.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Mel wrote:
>
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

A connection comes to my mind.

The ground to the body tub is the first one. I would be making sure the
wire mesh strap from the engine to the firewall is solid. You might
have one from the battery to the firewall too.

If the body doesn't have a good ground, that regulator won't fire up and
the lights can drain the battery down. The alternator need a good
ground too.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Mel wrote:
>
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

A connection comes to my mind.

The ground to the body tub is the first one. I would be making sure the
wire mesh strap from the engine to the firewall is solid. You might
have one from the battery to the firewall too.

If the body doesn't have a good ground, that regulator won't fire up and
the lights can drain the battery down. The alternator need a good
ground too.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Mel wrote:
>
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

This sounds pretty simple, and not like you needed an ignition modlue and
pickup coil (which is the triggering device inside the distributor.)

Mike is correct, you should first check all connections and main cable
condition at the battery, then ensure the grounds from the battery to the
body, and from the engine to the frame & body are in good condition. If the
battery is new, plus the alternator (which on a '76 has an internal
regulator), then the only things left to cause the problem are the wires &
connections.

As for the ignition issues, on a '76 the connectors from the distributor to
the ignition module (which is the silver box mounted on the inside fender on
the right side) are problematic. The wires at connector should be soldered
together one by one and insulated individually and as a bundle with heat
shrink, the connector should be thrown away. This is the main source of
stalling issues on '76 & 77 CJs that used the Prestolite ignition. Note:
this will not cause the battery to go dead, if you really do have an
ignition problem then you have two completely diferent issues.

"Mel" <mel@flatheadsoccer.com> wrote in message
news:3591af01.0405120455.76b2f8be@posting.google.c om...
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

This sounds pretty simple, and not like you needed an ignition modlue and
pickup coil (which is the triggering device inside the distributor.)

Mike is correct, you should first check all connections and main cable
condition at the battery, then ensure the grounds from the battery to the
body, and from the engine to the frame & body are in good condition. If the
battery is new, plus the alternator (which on a '76 has an internal
regulator), then the only things left to cause the problem are the wires &
connections.

As for the ignition issues, on a '76 the connectors from the distributor to
the ignition module (which is the silver box mounted on the inside fender on
the right side) are problematic. The wires at connector should be soldered
together one by one and insulated individually and as a bundle with heat
shrink, the connector should be thrown away. This is the main source of
stalling issues on '76 & 77 CJs that used the Prestolite ignition. Note:
this will not cause the battery to go dead, if you really do have an
ignition problem then you have two completely diferent issues.

"Mel" <mel@flatheadsoccer.com> wrote in message
news:3591af01.0405120455.76b2f8be@posting.google.c om...
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

This sounds pretty simple, and not like you needed an ignition modlue and
pickup coil (which is the triggering device inside the distributor.)

Mike is correct, you should first check all connections and main cable
condition at the battery, then ensure the grounds from the battery to the
body, and from the engine to the frame & body are in good condition. If the
battery is new, plus the alternator (which on a '76 has an internal
regulator), then the only things left to cause the problem are the wires &
connections.

As for the ignition issues, on a '76 the connectors from the distributor to
the ignition module (which is the silver box mounted on the inside fender on
the right side) are problematic. The wires at connector should be soldered
together one by one and insulated individually and as a bundle with heat
shrink, the connector should be thrown away. This is the main source of
stalling issues on '76 & 77 CJs that used the Prestolite ignition. Note:
this will not cause the battery to go dead, if you really do have an
ignition problem then you have two completely diferent issues.

"Mel" <mel@flatheadsoccer.com> wrote in message
news:3591af01.0405120455.76b2f8be@posting.google.c om...
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

This sounds pretty simple, and not like you needed an ignition modlue and
pickup coil (which is the triggering device inside the distributor.)

Mike is correct, you should first check all connections and main cable
condition at the battery, then ensure the grounds from the battery to the
body, and from the engine to the frame & body are in good condition. If the
battery is new, plus the alternator (which on a '76 has an internal
regulator), then the only things left to cause the problem are the wires &
connections.

As for the ignition issues, on a '76 the connectors from the distributor to
the ignition module (which is the silver box mounted on the inside fender on
the right side) are problematic. The wires at connector should be soldered
together one by one and insulated individually and as a bundle with heat
shrink, the connector should be thrown away. This is the main source of
stalling issues on '76 & 77 CJs that used the Prestolite ignition. Note:
this will not cause the battery to go dead, if you really do have an
ignition problem then you have two completely diferent issues.

"Mel" <mel@flatheadsoccer.com> wrote in message
news:3591af01.0405120455.76b2f8be@posting.google.c om...
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel

 

you should disconnect the positive lead of the battery, then place a
multimeter in current mode in series with the battery and the battery cable.
then check to see if any current is flowing with everything off(use at least
5 amp range to start)
then lower the scale until you can see a few milliamps or maybe 1/4 to 1 amp
flow.
then start pulling fuses or disconnecting wires until you see the current
flow stop. fix that bad circuit and the battery will probably stay charged.
john
"Mel" <mel@flatheadsoccer.com> wrote in message
news:3591af01.0405120455.76b2f8be@posting.google.c om...
> Bought a 76 CJ5 a couple of weeks ago (Hooo-Yahh!) Couple of days
> after I bought it she wouldnt start. Replaced battery. Couple of
> days later, she wouldnt start, battery was dead. Replaced alternator
> & external voltage regulator. As the days went by... engine developed
> 'irregularities': sputtering, backfiring, stalling. Some days it
> would crank right up and idle nice and smooth... other days it would
> take me 10 minutes of cranking to get it to fire, and then it would
> sputter and cough and backfire and generally have a bad attitude all
> day long. She finally stalled out at a light and refused to cooperate
> any further. Got it over to the local starter and alternator guy
> (local mechanic with a good reputation) and he replaced the ignition
> module & a piece called a pick-up coil? Or maybe it was the 'pick-up'
> piece of the coil? Anyways... she fired right up and idled smooth
> when I picked it up. I was happy. Drove it the rest of the
> afternoon, and into the evening. Had the lights on all evening, and I
> noticed the lights getting dimmer, and the engine running rougher.
> Didnt like low gears/low torque.. didnt want to drive down the block
> in 2nd (coughing/sputtering) but when I shifted up to 3rd, it would
> idle along better. Had to wait to pick up my daughter from dance, so
> I sat outside with the lights off and the engine idling waiting for
> her. Was idling ok, but I was nervous about getting home fer sure!
> Finally had to go in and get her, so I turned off the engine. Of
> course, battery was dead when I got back out there. Jumped it the
> next day (yesterday), got it home no problem. This morning I was
> encouraged when it wanted to turn over, but she wont start. Now the
> battery is dead again.
>
> Recap:
> 76 CJ5 w/AMC 304
> New battery
> New alternator
> New voltage regulator
> New ignition module
> new pick-up coil
> fan belt still tight, can't turn alternator fan by hand.
> dont have a multi-meter yet, getting one this weekend.
>
> mechanic said I needed to change plugs cause of all the gas that had
> been dumping on them as I was trying to start it, so gonna do that
> this weekend. Gonna start replacing plugs, wires, filters, etc... but
> methinks it's something deeper.
>
> did I mention the wiring is a nightmare? previous owner had a wire
> fetish... I've pulled out 3 miles of wire that didnt go anywhere. He
> has lights mounted everywhere (purple lights UNDER the tub, mounted to
> the frame?? .:shudder:.) There's wires hanging everywhere, some hot,
> some not (got a little tester with a bulb). New harness is on my wish
> list, but spool of wire and cutters and solder iron more budget
> realistic. The headlights, for example, come on and off. The cheap
> little 'fog-lights' dude wired up shine great, but the headlights?
> Nope... the little floor-kicker for the dims/brights is severly
> rusted, and by nudging it I can get the lights to stay lit up...
> yikes.
>
> Any suggestions for something I need to check first? This weekend
> I'll check out the alternator and every connection I can find with the
> multi-meter, but is there something obvious I need to know? The
> 'Charging System' so to speak, is obviously in trouble.. but what's
> the cure?
>
> thanks!
>
> Mel