304 Engine Trouble

I started working on getting my 72 CJ5 running and am having a strange problem. The CJ ran when I bought it and once I added some gas i was able to start it on the trailer and drive it off and into the garage. That was a few weeks ago. Now I am able to get it started when it hasn't been started but after that it wont start again unless I give it a half hour or more in between. When it's running it sounds pretty good but just won't restart. It's a Carter AFB carb and no the choke side there appear to be some black deposits of some kind. When it turns over and starts it seems to run ok so I'm thinking the plugs, wires, etc. are ok. One other nuance is that I bought it in Denver at 5000 ft elevation and I live up closer to 10k ft.

 

You might want to check your fuel filter. I had that problem and it was sediment in my fuel line and fuel filter that was causing it.

 

There are two fuel-filters, one before the fuel-pump and one before the carb and they are both the clear style. There does not appear to be any dirt or sediment and there appears to be a good supply of gas. The strange part is that it starts when it's cold and runs fine but then seems to make a kind of vapor lock sound and won't start again.

 

Would be hard for me to tell without looking at it. You could have problems with the distributor, or it could even be an intake gasket. There are several different things you should check.

 

Another thing to check is your ignition module. If it dies while running this is a possibility. When your jeep won't start see if your module is super hot.

 

^^Another good possibility.

 

I have the same problem. Its starts perfectly fine cold and runs great, then when i turn it off and park some where it doesn't want to start, it does however eventually turn over it just takes 3 or 4 tries. I'm not really sure what causes it either.

 

one other thing....it might not have anything to do with your engine because i have the 258

 

The way he describes his problem, I doubt that it is engine specific. More of a problem that could go wrong with any engine. It's hard for me to say for sure on this though because there are many things that could cause this. Hard to tell through this computer screen though.

 

You need to hone those phsychic abilities.

 

You aint kiddin. I've always been better at looking and listening to the way something runs and figuring it out than to read descriptions.

 

My husband listens to cars going down the street and comments on what needs fixed. What a gearhead!

 

I thought we all did that. :?

I have actually helped some people out that way though.

 

So I am not the only one who does that? R) I have been doing that for the last hour instead of studying Genetics. Man I need to get to work and stop hanging out here.

 

If your exhaust runs close to the starter the windings can get heat stressed. if it doesn't turn over this could be the problem. if the engine turns but the vehicle won't start look at the float settings in the carb.

 

I had a problem with hard starting right after shutting it down. I finally noticed that one one my fuel injectors was leaking actually causing a flooded condition that would clear up after a couple of hours sitting. But it would take some cranking to get it restarted right away. Make sure you are not leaking fuel and flooding the engine. I tightened the plate holding the injector in place and that stopped the leak and now it starts right up.

 

Check the carb bowl vent if it pluged . The fuel will boil in the fuel bowl and flow into the engine and flood it