Fuel or ignition problem

So, got past the idle problem. Replaced plugs, plug wires, regapped points (checked to make sure they were in good condition). Reset Dwell (to 28°). Idles like a champ now. Runs good...but now another issue. I took the jeep for a much longer drive today than i have yet (roughly 15 miles) with no problems. I get to the last stop sign before my apt complex...roughly a block away...and the jeep died. Simply stalled out, and would not restart. i ended up calling my neighbor to come tow me home - on the way back, being towed, i popped it in 2nd gear and it fired right up and ran great...any ideas here? (69 cj5 with V6 and Prestolite Dizzy). Here is what i have done to the engine system over the last few days/weeks....keep in mind, the entire thing is stock

New Spark Plugs (Autolite 85's)
New Plug Wires
Changed Oil/Oil Filter (10w40/PH11)
Tore down and rebuilt carb multiple times
Reset Float level in carb to FSM 1-7/32" drop
New Fuel line from Fuel Pump to Carb
New see through inline filter from Napa (clear jobby - cheap ~5$)
Regapped points to .016 as per FSM
Reset Dwell on points to 28°

There is one other thing that occured this morning, upon firing it up, there was a little blue smoke, and it ran for a second like it was completely out of time - but then cleared right up, i figured that maybe there was some blowby on the cylinders and the smoke was just it burning a little oil, it also smells like its running a little rich, and i have adjusted the idle mixture screws 6 ways till sunday and have not been able to make a difference in it... Is it possible that the stock jets in the carb are incorrect for my elevation? The jets are #51, and the Elevation here is roughly 3800 ft.

I am at a complete loss, and getting frusterated that every time i take the jeep out, something happens any ideas?

 

something in the carb isn't right if turning the idle mixture screws that many times makes no difference.....jets are okay, not the problem.
If you have a vacuum gauge, try checking engine vacuum at idle.
should be steady needle, 16"-18" at idle.

 

Some possibilities for your consideration ( assuming your problem may not be electrical )

Check your fuel filter, if the jeep has sat outside there is likely a considerable amount of rust and scale in the tank. This fine rust scale can plug a filter in short order off the road with fuel sloshing around in the tank knocking it loose, It will usually manifest itself as a loss of power or stalling out at higher speeds first but could be the culprit.

Also look to see if there is a filter between the tank and pump, This is common on older rigs with rusty fuel tanks as the older filter screens in the fuel pumps and some carbs would let the fine rust dust right into the carb.

Make sure the vent in the fuel cap is not plugged.

You may want to take another look inside the carb, If its been rebuilt recently there could be some debris floating around getting intermittently stuck on/in a jet or fuel passage. All it takes to restrict an idle jet is a few fibers from a paper towel, shop rag, or a tiny drop of water.

Is the fuel line from the pump to the carb routed correctly, If its been re-routed in the past it could be to close to an exhaust manifold or other location thats hot causing a vapor lock condition.

If your original fuel system had a fuel return line ( i am not real familiar with the v6 layout ) to the tank and its been bypassed you could have the wrong filter, This could also lead to some vapor lock issues.

 

agree, if turning the idle screws doesnt make any difference then theres something inside that not right. thats the only time that ive seen the screws turned and not making a difference, usually when the needle and seat arent seating or float level way to high.

 

Ok - replaced Condenser last night, also re-adjusted the mixture screws - the engine cleaned up at about 2-1/4 turns out.

I am thinking that there may be an issue with the coil itself? When checking the Dwell and having the multi meter hooked up (dwell, voltage and tach) i flipped to the voltage - there are about 10 volts coming off of the wire from the coil to the dizzy - shouldnt this be at least 12? I checked the FSM and chiltons and haynes...i cant find anywhere that would tell me what it should be....

 

Thats because the voltage on the distributor side of the coil is a varying (average mean) and will vary with RPM. On the other hand the POS side of the coil will give you a more accurate reading. Depending on the coil manuf (coil windings) the voltage when engine has run for a while can stabillize at 7 or 8 volts with ballast resistor or 12-14V if coil has internal resistor.

 

So, may have had a breakthrough tonite.... i went out and ran the engine at idle for about 45 mins - then it started to sputter - i watched the inline filter carefully - it suddnely emptied of fuel - i pulled the gas gap and checked for fuel (gauge not hooked up) using a stick there is still some gas in the tank (approx 2" on ths stick). I think there may be something floating around in the tank, that intermittently blocks the fuel pickup....so tomorrow, i will be pulling the tank out, draining and checking the fuel sender....