Ignition problems- Am I on right track?

I posted a couple of days ago about having trouble getting the engine to turn over. I found that problem and fixed that. It turns over now but the starter seems to drag a bit and it will not start...after reading old posts on here for the last two days and following some of the advice, here is where I am right now.

The old solinoid was getting hot after one or two cranks so I replaced it and I replaced both battery cables (they were old and needed to be replaced) also replaced the cable to the starter (also old and needed it) and that has taken care of the hot solinoid problem. I pulled the wire connecting the coil to the distributor cap and held it to the block and have spark at that point when the key is turned. I replaced the distributor cap as it was the old one (and have the wires in the correct order) and plugs and wires are new. Tried cranking it and starter hesitates and turns and hesitates and turns, etc. The starter is new but to be on the safe I bought another one and installed and same problem. (I am playing odds that at least one of the two starters is OK). So that brings me back to the battery.

I had charged battery other night with battery charger and got a reading of 13.8 but it justs seems to me that my problem may be the battery because of the way the starter is acting. Am I on right track? Anything I am missing? Should I take battery to be tested somewhere?

1980 Cj5 with the 304

Michael

 

At a guess, I'd say your timing is off. If the dist is off by a lot it will do what your describing.

Just a question but have you had it running before?

 

It still may be the battery.

If you just charged your battery you shouldn’t test it right away because you will get a high reading like you did 13.8 After charging wait about 6 hours before you test the battery or take it somewhere to have it load tested. A fully charged battery should read 12.6

 

Wonder how the amps are on the battery. :?
We had one that showed good volts but would hardley turn over the engine. Low amps.

 

My first thought would be to check to see you have a good ground between the battery and engine. slow starter, hot solenoid and cables, can all be indicators of a bad ground. Dont assume it is good because it is tightly connected. Take it apart, and clean the connections. IF you have a good battery, and good connections, there is no reason the starter shouldn't spin over normally. That it turns over slowly is what you need to fix first.

 

J, It started and ran well until this week. I'll start in on battery and grounds tomorrow. Just want to make sure I am not missing something. Thanks.

 

Be careful possible timing jump, sounds like the timing might be advanced too far, typical signs are what you are experiencing

 

OK....next issue...fixed the hesitant starter problem. Read through old posts on timing and getting cap wires in right positions. Turn key now and starter engages perfectly and engine turns over and sounds like before......BUT....it will not catch and stay running. I think its mad at me..

 

I pulled coil wire from cap last night and had a friend turn ignition while I held wire to block and I had spark.

 

I'd check battery amperage on this one. I doubt it's a ground problem because if it was it would act more...chaotic, not as easily to predict. If you have a multimeter I'd check amps and compare to a known good battery, or just try a good battery to eliminate that from the loop.