81 Cheif starting problems

[Matt W]

I just stabbed a '77 360 4bbl in an 81 Cheif that had an '81 360 2bbl. Problems : When I kick the key into "run" the starter engagegs at twice normal speed. there is no difference between the "run" and "start" key position! I know there should be, but you can crank the engine with the starter in both! Also it wont fire, there is spark and there is gas. Maybe my timing is off? not sure. Distributor is off the '81 360 because it has the proper plug for the wiring harness. is the solenoid possibly wired backwards? (fender mounted) or could it just be the steering column? (tilt, worn out, going to replace.) The engine did run when it was in the '77 j10 I took it out of about a week and a half ago.

[Michael F]

Sounds like the solenoid wires are backwards, the red w/tr wire goes to the I terminal and the light blue wire goes to the S terminal. How the wires are joined together may not match the solenoid terminals and if the wires are backwards the solenoid will get a start signal from the ignition on wire (red w/tr).

The timing may be off, check to be sure you installed the distributor on #1 cylinder TDC on the compression stoke and not the exhaust stroke and that all the spark plug wires are correct.

The stearing column can be tightened up by taking it apart and tightening the tilt joint. Sometimes a real PITA to do without a manuel to guide you and the proper tools



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81 Cherokee Laredo WT
56,000 orig. miles (not the engine I6 to V8 conv.)
360/727/208/3.31w/tracklock/35x12.5 ProCompMT/double diaphragm brake booster
4" BDS lift/TrailMaster SSV shocks
79 Cherokee Chief WT (snow plow)
360/400/QTw/LR/3.54/31x10.5

[Matt W]

Thanks. Found out about the solenoid wires by looking underneith my '79 J20 hood. The wireing diagram in my '79 manual is WRONG. I'll check the timing tommorow. I need to pull the steering column out anyway. If you have an electrical diagram for a '77 4 bbl 360 w/AC or '81 2 bbl 360 w/AC that may be helpful, please contact me at: mr_tinkerjeep@yahoo.com Thanks again.

[Michael F]

What is wrong with your 79 diagram? The solenoid colors are the same in 79 as the 81 and all the other wires are the same color going to the same place between the 79 and 81 except they plug into different spots on the firewall connector and the 81 has some different wires for the 727 trans. If you pulled the 77 engine wire harness and put in the 81 you will need to reclocate the wires to the proper positions and the 79 diagram does not have the 81 positions.

You did not do that did you? http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

I do have the 81 diagram and can get it to you. I also have a 79 wire harness in my 81. http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/wink.gif

[Michael F]

Oh,if you connected the wires per the pic on the diagram, the wires would be backwards if the solenoid terminals are backward. Like the one on mine!

[Matt W]

I read the 79 diagram it says: red front/ blue rear (posts). I Look under my hood( 79 j20)- backwards, look under dads hood (79 j20 )- backwards, look at old harness pulled off of long gone 79 wag...backwards. can only come up with one logical explanation...all those 79s dont work! http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/frown.gif the '81 diagram helped michael, thank you.
Now if i could just get the dang thing to move more than 12 inches in any gear! that would be great! PS all these locations are based on the fact that the + battery cable goes to the very front most(in relation to the vehicle) big post and the starter cable comes off the rear most post.