trying to revive a classic

Well I have a 1976 jeep I am trying to get running that has been sitting for about 5 years. the engine does rotate about ana inch or two. I have pulled the plugs and sprayed slick50 down the cylinders to loosen things up.
Hers where I need help. I am not familar about how the electrical system works. I hooked up cables to the battery to jump it and nothing happens when I turn the key. I then put the hot cable directly on the side of the solinoid that goes to the starter and it just sparks. I do not even hear the starter trying to turn. Should I assume the starter is bad ? I am going to pull the starter tomorrow and hook it up out of the jeep and see if it turns. I should find out that way if its bad.
anyways. any other opinions on what to do to bring this jeep back to life ?

Oh, its a 304v8 with a three speed.

 

I would start by cleaning all the electrical connections especially the GROUNDS.

 

good call.

I guess the battery sitting for 5 years , will have to be replaced.

I do not have alot of knowledge of the starting system on a jeep. I will have to learn it.
plus , does anyone have a wiring diagram ? under the dash looks like a bunch of stuff is disconnected.

oh, isnt htere a way to try and start the vehicle under the hood? somethng about the solinoid ?

let me know
thanks

mike

 

If you take a pair of jumper cables, from a good battery, attach the negative from the battery to the engine block, Then tap the Positive to that wire that runs to the stater. If it still doesn't respond, the stater may be frozen or just bad.
My next step in this case would be to remove the stater and try running it on a bench.

Jay

 

If he can't hear the the benex click ,then the starter is bad. or no ground .

 

Try tapping the starter with a hammer if its been sitting that long it might need a little encouragement.

 

Can you turn the engine over by hand with all the plugs out?

 

Not necessarily. If the starter solenoid is open or not grounded, the starter will not click when the key is turned. Make sure the cables are clean and solid, and then (carefully) try jumping the two big terminals on the solenoid with a jumper cable. Make sure the Jeep is out of gear and just touch the terminal at first. There will be sparks and the starter motor may turn. If the starter motor runs, the starter is likely ok.

 

Like they said. Just jump the two big terminals on the sylenoid with a screwdriver and your starter should work. But it wouldnt hurt to pull it and clean it up anyway. I found a mouse nest in mine and the sylenoid wasnt clicking in all the time so i took it apart and cleaned it up and works fine now.

 

I thought from my early years messing with fords, all I needed to do was jump the two terminals.
I did do this and nothing happened. I pulled the starter and tried to make it work and at first it didnt then started to turn slow. I think I need to just replace it. I pulled the plugs and got the motor turning by hand so I am good to go there. I will buy a new starter and see what happens.
Thank you for the links, I can now figure out where all the wires go. I have to clean out the fuel line and install the new gas tank.

thanks.

 

Being on a farm, I have started many a jeep with getting someone to pull me off. It is a quick way to get one running. Put it in first or second gear in high range, and get someone to pull you about 5 mph and let out the clutch. I like to do this with the hood off, so I can keep an eye on the motor. Just in case of flooding of the carbutator.

If you don't have a fire extinguisher handy, consider getting one to have close by anytime you are working on or driving your jeep. A $20 extinguisher, might just save you and your jeep, not to mention your garage or shop. I never had a fire, but one time I started a jeep, and gas started leaking at the fuel line. I looked at the floor, and gas was all over the place. I was very lucky it did not catch on fire.


Take your time and enjoy the many challenges and learning experiences of restoring your jeep.

 

Yep, Pull start it.
Nothing better. Drag it around the field, or your yard.
First just pull it around with the key off with a little while. Like CT said probably in second gear high range, let the clutch out and allow the engine in the jeep to turn over for a while without starting. That will get things loosened up and the oil flowing around. Then turn the ignition key on and try and allow it to start.
You may have to spray starting fluid down the carb or pour a little gasoline down into the carb just before you attempt the start.
Probably the most effective, and the most fun way to get an old vehicle running. Be creative.