Beating head against wall!!

[gtmud]

I have an 88 wrangler, bought cheap if this is any indication of my problems. I can't seem to keep it running. If you start it will catch and run, till you release the ignition to run then it will die, or sputter than die! I replaced the ignition switch (AC Delco), still same problem. I am getting power and ground to coil in the "on" position. Fuel is getting to the carb. If I hold my foot to the floor it will at times run, but sputter and sounds like its running on half its cylinders. HELP!!!

[timbillyosu]

Could be a few things. When you hold the starter and it runs, is it really rough? Might even be just as simple as bad plugs and wires. Or you could have a problem with the distributor.

Is it actually running when you hold the starter or is the starter just keeping things spinning?

[ScramblerPat]

Has it ever ran well? (Choke?, fuel filter?). After you get it "running" and it dies pull the cleaned plugs and check if they are wet? A cranky carb can cause havoc.

[gtmud]

Thanks guys, Yes it will run, I am getting fuel threw the carb, pulling about 15-18" vac, it wants to start, there is power and ground to the ignition coil at all times( flashing when cranked) It will die as soon as I release the ignition switch to "run" position. All vac lines are good ( even though most of them are plugged off) Going to try and rig a disconnect for the starter and see if it keeps running.
It runs and runs good. I had the ignition switch held in "Start", and engaged the starter remotly, engine starts and runs.. as long as the ignition switch is held in the "Start:" position, release it, it dies like you turned it off. Going to check wiring gotta be a double + bat feed thats missing its leg somewhere.

[toynrnd]

Bad ignition switch down on the column?

[timbillyosu]

He said in the first post that he had replaced the ignition switch. Although that doesn't necessarily rule out it being bad, or even more possible, that it's wired wrong. Not saying you didn't know what you were doing. The plug itself could have been wired wrong before you got it.

[toynrnd]

Duh, I read that post a couple times, too. I guess I was reading what I wanted to hear.

[smrflng]

What engine does the wrangler have?

Could be a bad contact in the ignition switch (yes I know you already replaced that)

Also check the pick-up coil in the distributor and the ignition control module.

Hope this helps out some.

Russ

[Deleted]

I would check the wiring at the starter solenoid. Not only does that solenoid switch current to the starter, it switches current to run accessories (including ignition coil etc) and usually has an alternator feed during KOER (key on engine running). At least I think a YJ has one of these externally mounted solenoids on the fender somewhere. I'd inspect all that wiring and make sure the ignition terminal is hot with the key on.

I also wonder if maybe the rod from the key cylinder lock to the ignition switch isn't indexed properly. There might be different cutouts for that rod to attach to.

[gtmud]

THis is what I have found out, the switch I replaced.. I have power and switching correctly in teh various positions. I have the "run" power feed to the ignition ( DURA SPARK) box. I was wondering about that Starter solenoid, its not the typical (ford mount) type it has one battery post and about 6 wires feed off with fuselinks, all check out. I guess indexing can be ruled out if I am getting power in the proper positions. I have power at the coil in the run position too. THis is frustrating!! Not my first jeep to build!!
This jeep was running then it just shut down and would not start again. I am wondering if the wonderful Dura Spark module died?

[Deleted]

Does the YJ have a resistor wire feeding power to the Duraspark in theh run position? Because what is supposed to happen is during cranking a separate hot wire is activated to feed the spark box with a true 12V. Kind of like a power boost to get the engine going. Then in the run position, it's power is received from a resistor wire and is around 7-8 volts I think.
Perhaps that resistor wire is no good and needs replaced. You could try jumping it for now to see if that might be the problem, just don't run it like that for long or your Duraspark will fry.
IMO, Duraspark is awful. Spending a few $ on a HEI distributor is worth every penny, and gets rid of that plagued system.

[gtmud]

So the "run" (Yellow) wire should be less than B+ voltage due to the resistor. If there is BAT + then a good chance that circuit of the DUra Spark is cooked? Wonderful ALL DATA didn't show a resistor in the circuit, either that or I looked right over it. I will check that next.

[Deleted]

It is on any Duraspark system I've ever been around. But I am very unfamiliar with YJs, so do not take what I say as gospel. I am providing suggestions for you to check.

[gtmud]

Found BAT+ at all wire feeds ( coil, Dura Spark) in run & start position BAT+ at Yellow wire @ Coil. From the schematics the resistor in line with the "RUN" circuit, so I might be looking at a cooked DURA SPARK. GREEN wire has BAT+ also to DURA SPARK. Remotely operating the starter and holding the key in the "START" position engine runs and RPM guage responds. Release to "RUN" it dies.

[gtmud]

ITS ALIVE! I have no idea what I did, but the darn thing in running now!! Loose wire, bad connection... Who knows!!!!! I will do more "wiggle" tests on the wiring around the coil. Thats the last place I was working. I started to here a "popping" sound, hit the remote starter and WALA its running. I guess I need to change out the orvilredenbacher pop corn:).
Thanks guys for all the input, really appreciate it. We moved here to FL about a year ago, and I greatly miss NC, and riding trails with you all.