CJ7 not running

Ok so the jeep would smoke the tires when I picked it up. drove 6 hours towing it backwards in the rain and ran like crap afterwards barely ran. Now 3 months later trying to start it and battery was dead. charged the battery and still no start. distributer is loose so timing is off. dont' have a timing light anymore. This is the project vehicle I bought that has the suburban 454. it is carburated. I'm thinking I might find TDC on the first piston and get the distributer lined up the best I can and see if it starts. if not then spray starting fluid down the carb while cranking to see if it starts. if not then I'll check for spark at the plug wire ends. Anyone interested in tinkering with a big block in the next couple weeks? I've got enough to keep me busy iwth the YJ so it is not a priority. I think I may look for a timing light this week.

Hey Bill call me when you want to toy with it. I might be able to ride over to your place and help with the CJ if you need a hand I still haven't seen this thing

For now I'm looking at saturday the 12th. Let me know if you are coming.

I think that should work. I will see if Ryan wants to come with me he has a good amount of knowledge with the chevy motors.

any help would be greatly appreciated. I like tinkering but it can get frustrating trying to troubleshoot alone...cranking while checking timing etc. I will buy a timing light by then.

Ok while checking numbers to figure out what is in this thing I found 2 spark plug wires that are grounded out against the headers. the wires are actually split where they were touching the header. I'll have to pick up some wires before saturday, no prob.

Yeah Bill I would pickup all the simple stuff that you need to do a tune up just to be safe whatever we dont use you can return later.

it has a new distrib, rotor, cap, wires, etc. everything looks new but the wires were hitting the header. Just cause its new doesn't mean they took care of it and installed it correctly.

What type of ignition is in the jeep? Accel, MSD

I will have to check on that.

If its a MSD than that is the first place to look at.. They do not like moisture and go out very quickly. I have fought them quite a few times.
I believe I have a MSD 6al at home if you need it.

check voltage in and out. even if you have voltage coming out it might not be enough. I will have to look at the exact amount it should show. I have had ones that just wouldnt put enough out to power the coil.

Accel seems to be a better alternative for offroad rigs.

If its a HEI system then there are other areas of concern I can point you too..

Nester has my cell if i can be of any help..

it is an HEI system. the guy converted from a TBI system? to a carb and installed an edelbrock intake and HEI ignition with a new holley carb.

I have to work in the early morning hours but will be home and working on the CJ around 11 am. Call me before ya come up to make sure i didn't get held up.

Thanks Eric and Ryan for your help. CJ is now running and can be moved again. who ever heard of a toggle switch for a fuel pump? Next step is to take it to an engine specialist so the carb can be adjusted and for fine tuning.

No problem. Thanks for the parts. That thing is going to be mean when you get it all together. something about the 454 I love me some big block power

Ok found major vacuum leaks, between carb and intake, new gaskets helped. Carb was found to be bad so I ordered the Holley 770 off road avenger. also ordered a rebuild kit for the vacuum advance.

runs great and no problems now.