1. Welcome to Jeeps.net!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Jeep discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Jeep owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer dies when in gear

Discussion in 'Other Jeep Vehicles' started by BigShip20, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. Aug 30, 2016 at 4:23 PM
    #1
    BigShip20

    #1
    BigShip20 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #139
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    Vehicle:
    1988 Black Jeep Grand Wagoneer
    A few months ago I bought a 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer for a great price. I just recently got it "running" but the car doesn't idle right and when I put it into gear the car dies.

    I've already replaced the ignition system, the air intake manifold, re built the carburetor, replaced the coil, fuel filter, starter and distributor. I've tested the fuel pressure and compression and have changed the plugs.

    According to the man I bought the car from the engine was replaced less than 100,000 miles ago along with the transmission. Even with all this work done I'm still having problems.

    I've also chased wires and have replaced all of the broken/messed up wires. Any clue what could be causing this? Anything is appreciated as I have been working on this for months now.
     
    BigShip20, Aug 30, 2016
    #1
  2. Aug 30, 2016 at 4:25 PM
    #2
    bostonbilly

    #2
    bostonbilly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    Member:
    #12
    Messages:
    109
    Gender:
    Male
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2015 Sahara JKU
    I would check for a possible vacuum leak.
     
    bostonbilly, Aug 30, 2016
    #2
    C2T and BigShip20[OP] like this.
  3. Aug 30, 2016 at 4:32 PM
    #3
    C2T

    #3
    C2T Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Member:
    #42
    Messages:
    763
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Helena, Montana
    Vehicle:
    Jeep
    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Did it sit for a long time?
     
    C2T, Aug 30, 2016
    #3
  4. Aug 30, 2016 at 4:56 PM
    #4
    BigShip20

    #4
    BigShip20 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #139
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    Vehicle:
    1988 Black Jeep Grand Wagoneer
    It had sat with the previous owner for a year or so. I had it delivered to my house and it started up and would idle for about 5 seconds before dying. A few days ago I got it to the point where the idle was pretty good, and the truck ran great and I was able to drive it a few miles around town. I haven't been able to get it to idle as decent or even go into gear since.
     
    BigShip20, Aug 30, 2016
    #4
  5. Aug 30, 2016 at 7:08 PM
    #5
    C2T

    #5
    C2T Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Member:
    #42
    Messages:
    763
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Helena, Montana
    Vehicle:
    Jeep
    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Sure sounds like a vacuum leak. Have you re-torqued everything since all that rebuilding? Things may have settled a bit after things got hot a few times. As well, you may wish to put a bit of something like Marvel Mystery oil down the carb (engine running) to clean up those valves/seats.

    Just some thoughts...good luck with it.
     
    C2T, Aug 30, 2016
    #5
    BigShip20[OP] likes this.
  6. Sep 13, 2016 at 6:42 PM
    #6
    C2T

    #6
    C2T Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Member:
    #42
    Messages:
    763
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Helena, Montana
    Vehicle:
    Jeep
    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Have you made any progress with this yet?
     
    C2T, Sep 13, 2016
    #6
    Bob likes this.
  7. Sep 15, 2016 at 5:40 PM
    #7
    BigShip20

    #7
    BigShip20 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #139
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    Vehicle:
    1988 Black Jeep Grand Wagoneer
    Yes I have. I ended up replacing all of the vacuum hoses, and that solved my driving problem so now it stays in gear without dying. Now trying to smooth out a rough idle.
     
    BigShip20, Sep 15, 2016
    #7
    Bob likes this.
  8. Sep 15, 2016 at 5:55 PM
    #8
    C2T

    #8
    C2T Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Member:
    #42
    Messages:
    763
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Helena, Montana
    Vehicle:
    Jeep
    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Cool... Glad it worked.
     
    C2T, Sep 15, 2016
    #8
  9. Sep 15, 2016 at 6:41 PM
    #9
    BigShip20

    #9
    BigShip20 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #139
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    Vehicle:
    1988 Black Jeep Grand Wagoneer
    thanks for the help!
     
    BigShip20, Sep 15, 2016
    #9
Register FREE to Reply!
To Top