American Motors: 85 cj7 258, stumbling, cutting out, on load, carburetor overhaul, sick bastard

Question
Kevin,

Hi I have a 85' 258 with the carter bbd, just rebuilt to specs. I have been trying to troubleshoot this rig for 3 weeks now.

under no load at standstill, no problems with stepping on accelerator. Once I put it into gear and start moving, it all goes downhill. The most typical thing it does is cut out on accelaeration, just for a milli-second, but cut-cut, then it will run a little while just fine then, cut-cut, then fine again.

So let me tell you what I have done:
new distributor
newer plugs
new wires
re-built carb to specs
new fuel filter
timing adjusted at a local shop (they told bme to rebuild the carter bbd)

My newxt step was going to be ignition coil, after that the shop.

it should also be noted that sometimes it will run great, and other times like a sick bastard, warm or cold. Also sometimes, it feels like it is bogging down or losing power, then it will seem to snap out of it and get going.

Need help please.

Randy

Answer
Randy,
A couple ideas.
1) Have you checked the fuel pressure? Low fuel pressure and volume can starve the carburetor.
2) I would refer to the spec sheet that came with your carburetor overhaul kit. You will find three very important adjustments.
a)Metering rod adjustment,
b)float level, and
c) accelerator pump. Carefully adjust these items.
Hopefully this will help you out.
Let me now if it doesn't.
Kevin