engine quitting

[littlebigman]

I am in need of some advice on what to do with my ride. I have an '88 GW that wants to die on me every now and then. While I am driving on the interstate or after I have just started it the thing will just die on me. No warning no loud noises, nothing. Many suggestions were given to me that maybe I had flooded the engine trying to start it, maybe plugs were loose. But after a wait it might start up and roll for a while but down the road it would die on me. The plugs had been replaced and all of the little caps were tight. Maybe ignition module, but that has been replaced. Used some carb cleaner to loosen her up and it still dies on me. Replaced air filter, still dies on me. Arggh!!!!!!

Let me explain how I can get it going. I hop in and put the key in, let all the gauges kick in. Put my foot down on the gas all the way to the floor once to engage the choke. Then let off the gas peddle and turn the key. It purrs a little and when it starts to growl I give it some gas. And it takes off. Usually. But recently it has taken me 15 or 20 minutes to get it to start to purr. Seems like my battery and the starter is taking a beating.

What on earth could this be? Is it a starter problem, battery problem, carborator problem, what? Ugh!! I am at my wits end. Any suggestions will be appreciated and considered. Many thanks - Casey.

[Darin]

If you haven't had the carb rebuilt, you may want to start there. I had similar problems and it was resoelved with a carb rebuild. (My power valve and acclerator pump were toast.)

[PhilSine]

I usually fire mine before they quit. :D

Other possibility is that the coil may be worn to the point where it breaks down when it gets too hot. For about $15 you can find out for sure.

[Wagoneer622]

I have had the same problem in the past due to a bad coil in my 1966 Chevelle, I would be driving down the road and it would do the same thing that you describe. After a little while it would eventually start up and go for a little bit and then it would do the same thing again. That is definitley a good cheap place to start. Darn thing drove me nuts.

Chris
83 Wagoneer Ltd.(360/727/229)

[ July 10, 2002, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Wagoneer622 ]

[littlebigman]

is this something that i can do myself or is it better to have someone look at it?

[littlebigman]

i am referring to the coil replacement. is that something that i can do? what do you mean for $15 dollars i can find out? explain that to me i am not certain what you mean?

[Wagoneer622]

It is probably one of the easiest things to do on the motor, it should only take like 10 minutes if that. If you take it somewhere they will test the coil first, which gets put on as labor time then they change a part that you can do by yourself no problem.

It will cost $15 for the coil it's self. Really easy to do.

Chris
83 Wagoneer Ltd.(360/727/229)

[ July 10, 2002, 03:52 PM: Message edited by: Wagoneer622 ]

[Kimbrough]

Hey littlebigman - if you don't have one, get a Haynes manual for your Jeep at any auto parts store. That'll help a lot when you work on your truck. The ignition coil is very simple to remove and replace.

[T-Bone]

I also had what sounds simular to your problem and it turned out to be the pick-up coil in the distributor. I opted for buying a reman. distributor, solved it instantly.

[littlebigman]

hey thanks for that info. i bought a new coil and put it in. getting ready to check it out and see if everything is peachy in a little bit. i am now in the process of fixing the driverside window rail. one thing and then another and then another.

thanks everyone for the help, it is greatly appreciated.

peace,
casey