No crank, no start on my '87 MJ 2.5l.

[Ophaniel]

So, I'm new to the forum, and Comanche ownership in general. I just bought an '87 2.5l Sport Truck, with a 4spd manual. It had been sitting for ~7 years, so I knew there would be problems. I installed a new fuel tank and pump, put in a couple gallons of gas, and she started right up. Took it in to work and changed the fluids, replaced the battery, and drove it around for about a week, no problem. 

 

Last Thursday, it got down into the teens where I live, and she wouldn't start. Cranked strong, just wouldn't fire up. It's my 3rd vehicle, so I figured I'd mess with it this weekend. My buddy I bought it from suggested I take the ignition coil loose and clean the connections. Did that, and now it won't even crank. Good voltage/amps on the battery, and the dash will light up, lights work, etc, but nothing doing for cranking. Is it a bad ignition module, maybe?

[cruiser54]

Cleaning the coil connections won't cause a "no crank" condition.

Explore the battery cables and starter wiring. 

 

Key ON, you should see lights on the dash. What do those lights do when key turned to "Start"?

[Pete M]

does the starter turn the engine?  if so, that's "cranking".  if the engine is cranking but won't explode any gasoline, that's "won't fire". 

 

if it cranks but won't fire, then check for spark and fuel.  I prefer an inline spark checker for that aspect, and a spritz of starter fluid down the TB for the other. 

 

 

welcome to the addiction! 

 

 

[jdog]

2 hours ago, Pete M said:

but won't stay running, that's "won't start" or "won't fire". 

won't turn over means no crank

[eaglescout526]

I would do a test on the crank shaft sensor as well just to make sure it is relaying the right voltage to the ECU

[Pete M]

9 hours ago, jdog said:

won't turn over means no crank

 

you are correct.   I've been more tired than normal lately (even for me lol) and that goof seems to have snuck through.