AboutKevin Pilotte Expertise I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.
Experience I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.
Organizations I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.
Publications I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.
Expert: Kevin Pilotte Date: 2/12/2008 Subject: 1977 CJ5
Question My CJ5 will not start. It has spark to the plugs, and gas going to the carb, but it will not even act like it will start. I have doubled checked the timing and have it at TDC of the compression stroke. The plugs are clean and the dist. cap is new. Wire to the coil is hot with the key on. Still, it will not start.
Answer 1)Look down the carburetor with the engine OFF with a flashight. Operate the throttle linkage and look for fuel being shot out via the accelerator pump. If you see a stream of fuel, you have gas getting into the engine; no fuel, check out the carburetor.
2)Do you have strong compression? What is it?
3)Are the plugs gapped correctly?
4) Is the spark at the plugs strong or weak? Can it jump across a 1/2" gap when the wire is removed from the plug and held near the engine block?
5)Are the plug wires on in proper firing order?
Let me know.
