Won't start. New owner (88 GW)

[Shaymer]

Just brought my 88 Grand Wagoneer (130k) home two days ago and it won't start. It turns over, but won't catch. The battery is new and it starteed fine when I looked at it both times. It also started after I got gas on the way home and again 2 hours after I got home. Now, after sitting for 2 days,it won't start. Should I be pumping the fuel pedal a few times, or can I just hold it down while I turn the key? Could it be the distributer cap or the starter? Plese help.

[Stuka]

If its turning over its not the starter.

If it turns over..and you dont here it catching at all, then it could be a few things.

-coil (or wires going to/from it)
-ignition module (or wires going to/from it)
-distributer (including cap and rotor)

Or it could be that your accelerator pump is leaking....so when you press the gas pedal no gas is going into the engine. Which is a problem I had with my old 4350 carb.

[JB]

Im with stuka , it has to be one of the combination of things he mentioned.. Mine does the same thing if I let is sit for 2 days.. you might want to try removeing the air filter cover and pry open the butterfly valve of the carb, if its not already all the way open and pour a spoon full of gas directly in the carb and see if that helps fire it up.. thats usually what I do .. be carefull doing this ,

[ September 09, 2001: Message edited by: JB ]

[GeoPol]

You've already gotten solid advice, but my money is on the ignition module, especially if one day it was running fine and then *POOF* . . . just my .02

[garcia]

one more comment -- if it starts, and then restarts easily after a short time, but not after a couple days, then you can be pretty sure you have a fuel problem. Could be weak accelerator pump, could be leakdown from carbeurator, or even a leak in the fuel pump diaphragm -- just my 2 cents . Good luck -- Mark

[Shaymer]

Thanks guys. I appriciate the time you take. Wish me luck

Shaymer

[Ernzo]

Hi,

My .2 cents. Starting a GW 360 can be a little tricky! My suggestions is to not pump the gas, just depress the pedal about 1 inch and crank. Assuming your choke is functioning (take off the air cleaner and look. After you depress the pedal, the carb ought to be mostly closed off)

I know everyones is different, but I do know that it is easy to flood one of these!

E

[billyrb]

Easiest way to eliminate electrical problems is to buy a can of starter fluid (about $2.50), spray a shot directly into the carb, and turn it over a time or two. If it starts then stops, you have a fuel problem. If it doesn't start, you have an electrical problem. Btw, don't use too much of the starter fluid as prolonged use isn't good for the carb.

[Hump]

As a general rule, when you buy a "new" vehicle (that is new to you), you should replace the things listed in Stuka's message. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor shouldn't run you more than $50. Getting to the rear most plugs can be a challenge. Have a couple of extensions and a swivel handy or be ready for some busted knuckles. Good luck with you new GW. You'll be a better mechanic as time goes by. :D

[wn]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hump:
As a general rule, when you buy a "new" vehicle (that is new to you), you should replace the things listed in Stuka's message. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor shouldn't run you more than $50. Getting to the rear most plugs can be a challenge. Have a couple of extensions and a swivel handy or be ready for some busted knuckles. Good luck with you new GW. You'll be a better mechanic as time goes by. :D<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll put my 2 cents worth on the fuel pump. That was my problem on the J 10 until I replaced the fuel pump and it's always started ever since.

[Hump]

Wasn't disagreeing with the fuel pump suggestion, just thought I would pass along a tip that I always do when I buy a car. Sorry if it was more than 2 cents. smile.gif

[Snakeyes_Tx]

Almost guaranteed... either the Duraspark Motorcraft Ignition box on the driver's side inner fenderwell is wore out.. 19 buck replacement part.. or you have a dead fusable link. Either one will do EXACTLY what you're describing.. turn turn turn, no fire.