87 Comanche Bucket-O-Bolts - son's first car

[Smash6]

About 3 years ago my brother-in-law revived a Comanche, finding it somewhere (maybe a field) and he managed to get it drive-able, but that's about it. I showed interest and he asked, "why do you want that bucket of bolts?!" We decided it would make a great project for my son's first car, so my boy and I jumped on a plane and took a long flight, picked up the keys, and drove 3 days home. She made it.

 

Since then, we haven't had time to fix nearly as much as we'd hoped. The biggest fix was getting the trash BA10 out and swapping in an AX-15 and NP231 from a YJ. Of course there's been a lot of small repairs along the way. We've also been accomplishing Cruiser54 tips.

 

Today, there are three main focus areas.

 

1. The HVAC is stuck on full-heat and defrost. I haven't diagnosed it at all. The vacuum system on the passenger side of the jeep is a mess and there are broken and open lines everywhere. I need to simplify it, then repair it.

 

2. The interior needs to be ripped out and redone to include welding in new floor pans. The dash is shattered, the lights in the instrument cluster don't work, the stereo has no memory...there's a lot!

 

3. The motor has a stumble when it's cold. It happens around 2300-3000 RPMs. New plugs, wires, NTK O2 sensor, etc. The new O2 sensor helped huge. Once warm, it runs great! Even after it's warm, if you shut it off and fire it back up, t'll stumble for about 3 minutes and then it's back to running amazingly well. Renix reader shows solid sensor readings except it's showing lean and therefore dumping excess fuel in. I can't see or feel any exhaust manifold leaks. I'm at a loss on this one.

 

I'll follow this post with pics and will try to keep this thread updated as we continue to build.

 

 

[Smash6]

Here a few pics

[fiatslug87]

Nice father and son project! Does the RENIX monitor show the O2 sensor readings swing from about 0.2 to 4.8 constantly? That’s what should happen, I’ve had issues with after market O2 sensors. Check resistance between A&B on the sensor, should be 5-7Ω.

 

Post the VIN in the registry to get a build sheet.

[Smash6]

The sensor is swinging and I’m going closed to open loop as I’d expect.
 

Tomorrow I’ll post what I’m getting off the REM. 

 

Thanks for the registry tip, I’ll figure that out!

[eaglescout526]

Thats a unique decal kit. Actually works well with that metallic garnet like color.

[Pete M]

love those stripes!! 

[Smash6]

1 hour ago, eaglescout526 said:

Thats a unique decal kit. Actually works well with that metallic garnet like color.

They’re painted on and pretty crooked. But if you squint it’s mint!

[Smash6]

Here’s a video of the stumbling and backfiring. I hold the throttle steady throughout but as soon as I give it more and the revs rise, it clears up and she’s running great again.