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Engine just quits???

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by brokedowndave, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. Jan 13, 2015
    brokedowndave

    brokedowndave New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2015
    Messages:
    1
    Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum and Jeepsters, so if I ask dumb and/or repeat questions, please bear with me. I'll catch up! Here is my current issue:
    69 Jeepster
    Dauntless 225
    Very hacked and rusted
    It starts and runs well, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then it just quits. Starter won't turn over, nothing, completely dead.
    Wait anywhere from 8 to 48 hours and it starts and runs fine for another 15 to 20 minutes, then dead again. Can anyone give me an idea as to where to start looking?
     
    brokedowndave, Jan 13, 2015
    #1
  2. Jan 13, 2015
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2006
    Messages:
    1,512
    Check all battery, starter connections and grounds, clean and tighten as necessary. There's a ground strap that attaches between the block at the engine mount and the bolt that attaches the engine mount to the frame. It's usually on the passenger side but after 40+ years may be on either side. Also check the starter to block bolts are tight.
     
    Pack Rat, Jan 13, 2015
    #2
  3. Jan 13, 2015
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,117
    Sounds like you may have an intermittent electrical fault with the battery power connection to your ignition switch, or perhaps a intermittent switch itself. Probably a bad connection heats up & "opens".

    Next time it happens try-

    a) shorting the starter solenoid "ignition" (I) terminal to the post the battery cable connects to, the engine should turn over.
    b) use a multimeter on "volts" to check the voltage applied to the ignition with the ignition switch in the 'run" position, should = the battery voltage. If there's nothing there find a wiring chart for your vehicle & start working back through the wiring to the switch & through it to it's power source until you find the spot where you get the battery voltage, the spot before that is your problem.

    H.

    p.s.- Welcome to the board :).
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 13, 2015
    #3
  4. Jan 13, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,801
    Ditto with Howard, and Pack Rat.

    Somwhere there may be a resistance that increases with heat. Check the connections for corrosion etc.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2015
    PeteL, Jan 13, 2015
    #4
  5. Jan 13, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,375
    Do you drive it at all? Or is it simply sitting there not being moved while you are working on it? I'm just trying to pinpoint any kind of relationship to something happening when it shuts off. Does it actually take up to 8 hours before it will start again? Since it's been hacked no telling what someone did. Maybe there is some kind of relay or circuit breaker somewhere? Do you have lights during the dead period?
     
    Glenn, Jan 13, 2015
    #5
  6. Jan 21, 2015
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Sounds to me like the circuit breaker on the inside of the cab up under the left of the cowl is "kicking out". I've tested one of mine by overloading up and when it clicks off, it takes exactly 15 minutes to reset after it's overheated. The breaker itself it more than likely good, it's doing it's job. There must be a short or an excessive load on one of the circuits that run off that main breaker (pretty much the whole Jeepster). These Jeepsters are sparse on use of fuses, there are 4 - the wiper, the blower, the signals and the hazards. besides that, I think some of the fused circuits are even off the main breaker. I agree with the above comments. Grounds are ofter overlooked and in a DC circuit. Remember the ground is the actual power source, and the return is the positive as the flow of electricity is attracted into the battery. Both sides of the circuit need to be resistance-free regardless.
     
    commanlerwrangdo, Jan 21, 2015
    #6
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