Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 7/3/2006

Question
I have owned my CJ-7 for 13 years and know all the starting problems with these jeeps!  I have replaced and installed new rebuilt carbs, installed new distributers, new coils, and batteries on this thing many times.  I have finally come to something I can't figure out.  This is a problem that has been getting worse and worse with each new year.  When I  turn the key, the engine turns and turns until I let go of the key and then I get a small burp of the engine trying to start.  I usually do this over and over again until it's flooded so bad.  It's almost like the switch is only sending a spark when it's in between the start mode and run mode.  I think I really confirmed this when a couple days ago I turned the key for a while then stopped for about 25 seconds and turned the key to one more position back and the engine fired a little!  How is that possible?  I had a mechanic replace the ignition swith last year. "so he says"  

I hope you can help me with this problem and thanks for your time!

Tim  

Answer
Sorry about the short response. I hit the send button before going into detail.
It has been my experience that the condition that you are experiencing is caused by a defective or "generic" ignition control box. Your Jeep has Motorcraft ignition and there are a number of aftermarket control units available at cheap prices. There are only 2 that I recommend. Motorcraft and Echlin (NAPA). The others are made in Taiwan specials.
This box controls the distributor spark and timing. During cranking, there should not be any ignition advance. With the generic control units, this can happen. It then casues the engine to kick back, pop, or in your case burp.
Bottom line is, you get what you pay for. I know of a guy who had the generic control that went bad while off roading. Luckily, another guy in a Jeep had a spare box to get him out of the mud.
Good luck
Kevin
Kevin