1965 Cj5 4 Cyl Wont Start When Hot

Just replaced distributor with a new electronic model running great. However after 40 min of driving I cut it off and it won’t crank. Getting fuel fine. After it cools for 1hr or 2, It cranks right up. Also happened at night and lights seemed dim.
Lastly when you turn the key normally it has a ticking? Sound almost like a loud electric fuel pump? (It’s of course ,manual pump). When it won’t start the ticking sound is not there when you turn the key. Anyone had a similar problem?

 

Personally, I believe in always suspecting the newest thing or the most recent change first.

Assuming the engine turns over, has the electronic module ever proved that it will restart when hot?

Low voltage will make the solenoid "tick" loudly, but not turn over. Once the voltage goes even lower (or battery is dead) it stops ticking at all.

At full voltage it will tick just once. Then if it is not turning the engine over, the starter may be bad.

 

It turns over but will not fire off. Also it started doing this just before distributor was replaced. Forgot I also installed a new voltage regulator with distributor.

 

okay, so it cranks but won't fire up until after it cools.

Could be a fuel-rich condition. Maybe a leaking float valve, or some such. Also check the choke plate is wide open, and air filter is not clogged..

 

A failed coil, sometimes runs cold, then quits when hot.

 

All of the above, plus check float level. Good Luck

 

A coil is a recommended trail spare. They can just quit (BTDT), or go wonky as above. Buy a replacement and see it it fixes the problem, or borrow one from another car.

When it's hot and not starting, you could try some starting fluid ... this will tell you if the problem is fuel related.

 

This for sure..

 

Pull a plug when it wont start. See if it is fuel fowled, If it is, don't try and test spark cause you might get a bit of a fire.

Smell your oil on the dipstick. It might smell like gasoline if its fuel rich.

 

This may be a long shot, but I will mention it in case the above suggestions don't solve the problem. I once had a 74 Ford Bronco (yes, I regret selling), it had these same symptoms. Turns out the starter was bad. It was drawing so many amps when hot and trying to start that it didn't leave enough juice for the spark/ignition. It would start fine when cool.