My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Dontknowmuch on September 11, 2012, 07:30:46 PM
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I am new to the forum and a new willy's owner. I recently bought a '52 or '53 CJ3a (no serial number plate). I am trying to get her up and running. I have installed new plugs, wires, distributor cap, points, etc. I had the starter checked and have a new working generator. New 6V battery. She turns over but doesn't start up. There is a spark, and I had someone reset the timing. I have the gas tank out but I am trying to get it to start via starter fluid in the carb. It seems like the turning over is not quite enough to start the motor. Any thoughts or help would be much appriciated!!
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You need conpression, spark, and fuel to run. All timed correctly of course. I would get a compression tester and check compression first before you crank it over much more. THen set timing statically, and dwell. Check for a decent spark at each plug. Then, set up a gravity feed gas tank using a lawnmower tank or similar. Running the engine on starting fluid is not a good plan if you want to keep the motor. At the very least, use an old dishwashing soap container and squirt gasoline into the carb, not ether. You can keep it running on gasoline that way without damaging anything with preiginition knocking.
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I would add that if the turn over is sluggish, you may want to check the battery cables. For 6 volt systems, the cables must be a very heavy gauge.
#2 gauge minimum. If you can find #0, or #00 gauge, all the better. Also, make sure your negative battery cable is well grounded to the chassis. Clean that connection point real good.
Welcome to the 3A Forum!
Tim
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Welcome to the forum.
As you can see, there is a lot of good help here with Jeep problems. You have already had two great responses. Apply them and then report back. CJ-3A members will continue to suggest ideas till you get your Jeep running and back on the road.
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Look at the rotor rotation. You may have your wires on wrong. Does it go counter clockwise? Are your plug wires wired that way? Are the fireing order of the wires correct, check again, it has happened many times. All the above are very good suggestions