Do Tip 13.

 

Ok did tip 13 and got the timing correct. Cranked it and it backfired a couple times. Battery is weak so put the charger on it and we will see what happens tomorrow

 

I was having a similar problem with my '90. By mistake I found if I disconnected the battery and then reconnected it, the Jeep would fire right up 2-3 times then not fire again till I disconnect & reconnect the battery! Long story short, turned out to be the ecu. Apparently there's a switch or diode in the computer that resets when you disconnect & reconnect power but only works 2-3 times. Trust me, this was a total pita to find! I'll see if I can find my thread about it and share it here.

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/1990-limited-starting-problem-help-163318/

 

I don't think we would get spark if his ECU were completely fried. It controls when the Ignition Control Module gets power to spark. It also controls the fuel injectors. He says he has spark and fuel pressure. Not sure if injectors are firing but it also won't run on ether which is odd. Wouldn't hurt to disconnect and reconnect ECU wiring harness to make sure connections are good. Also ECU ground should be checked.

You need to have a good battery so might be worth replacing. I ran my Parts Jeep battery to the ground (would turn over really slow). Then put jumper cables on to my running Cherokee and it fired right up. I don't think it will start if the revolutions aren't right either (has to turn over fast). Not sure though-Cruizer would know.

 

Just want to say thanks for everything espicially to you cruiser for the tips. Got the jeep running today thanks again 👍🏽

 

That's great-So, what was it?

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

So what was the problem? Thread and advice is no good without a solution. Btw, mine had spark and fuel with a bad ECM. Must be a timing thing within the ECM that fries.

 

ECU originally and then after the ECU was fixed and I had a good spark and fuel again, it was the timing. Got the timing set and it runs like a champ. The distributor indexing was really helpful. I never thought about cutting the stupid locating tab on. Anyway I apreciate the help and I'm sure I'll have a question about something in the future but until then thanks for everything

 

I'm wondering if when I washed it, the seal is bad and water came in and ruined the ECU just curious. If it is the reason I'd like to get it fixed so it don't happen again

 

Good ole number 13.......

Good job of sticking with it.

 

You bet. I have a couple squarebody Chevys and I've used a lot of those distributors and never thought about cutting that locating tab off to adjust the timing but that's definately a time saver