Hard Start - Fuel Prob?

[jay79cj7]

This time of year I don't drive my CJ much except for on the weekends. When it sits that long, it takes a long time to start. It turns over fine, but just doesn't fire without alot of pumping the gas pedal and turning the key. It seems like it just doesn't have gas, and then it finally fires up and runs. If I start it within a day or so it will be fine, starts right up. I know its not the ignition, the starter and battery are fine. The choke is functioning properly. My theory is that the gas is draining back down to the tank while it sits and takes a while for the fuel pump to bring it back up to the carb again. The problem is that I don't see anything to validate that theory. Has anybody had this problem, and what was it? This is annoying in warmer weather, but when it is really cold out, I have just about drained the battery all the way cranking so much. Oh, and its a '79 258 w/ Carter carb.

By the way, I did the TFI upgrade yesterday, and for anybody thinking about it, do it. Its as easy as everybody says, and the parts cost like 60 bucks at autozone. It seems to idle smoother, even when cold, and also seems to have better throttle response.

 

[avyoung]

Mine does the same thing but it is every morning. The rest of the day it is fine. I have been thinking of going to an electric fuel pump. This would assure fuel is there. I Just have not gotten around to it. I am running 80 cj5 258 weber.

What is the TFI upgrade?

 

[jay79cj7]

TFI Upgrade:
http://www.jeepz.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Howto&file=engine_tfi

As far as the fuel problem goes, I figure something has to be wrong, I just need some advice on where to look. I don't really want to do a fuel pump conversion if I don't have to.

 

[xxjas12xx]

seats

i had the exact same problem, would have to pump the gas like crazy to get it to start ( every morning ) especially if it was cold. I put a manual choke on it, problem solved!

 

[graewulf]

Spacer Lift Question

every engine i had that was carbureted did that, seems to be the nature of the beast.... TFI doesnt seem have that issue... also, make sure the plugs are good & clean and properly gapped.

 

[MOngo1970]

I had that problem until just a month ago, I had a small leak in the fuel return line from the filter that allowed air in and all of the fuel to run back down to the tank or on the ground. I replaced all of the hoses in the engin bay and fixed the problem. Also if you are still running a stock dist. I did the TFI upgrade for about $54 from autozone....BIG improvement when starting.

Matt

 

[Tug-n-pull]

Ever sence I did the Motorcraft 2150 Carb Upgrade my CJ starts like an older Ford Truck. Get Pump the pedel 2 times to the floor and hit it let start die and repete. On the third try it is ready to go. After it is warm just hit it and bang ready to go. Tug

 

[jay79cj7]

Tug, that sounds like my CJ on a good day! (like when I just drove it 2 days ago.)

I will replace those fuel hoses... Probably a good idea anyway. Is there a check valve that I can get to put in line to prevent the fuel from being able to drain back?

 

[Sully]

Does the motor tick for a few minuts until it's warmed up?

 

[jay79cj7]

Sully-
I haven't noticed a ticking, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't do it. Why do you ask? What would that indicate? Its about 20 degrees here right now, so I will wait to check until later.
Thanks.

 

[Sully]

Well my jeep is being worked on now as we speak for the reason of it not running properly.And it has been sitting and ticks after it has been sitting and I start it.Could be that it takes a minute to pump the oil threw the engine.