My CJ-5

[tonkatruck]

I have a 1974 CJ-5 and its currently sitting in a shop and wont start. No one can find the problem and its not the coil the starter or the battery. if anyone owns one or has any ideas that would be awesome. thanks

[hps4evr]

we'll need details please. what engine/tranny. does it have spark? is there fuel? does it crank? does it sputter? which carb is on it? how old is the fuel?
there are a bunch of licensed auto techs on this site, but we cant diagnose anything if we dont know what you have. as many details as possible would be great:)

[tonkatruck]

 I know it has a V8, it sparks but its like sparatic. there is fuel and it does crank. it has all new fluids and the vehicle will actually start if only for a couple seconds and then it will just completely die.  I have even had it running for several minutes and then attempt to drive it in reverse and it will just die and not start up again. Sometimes when it starts and you can rev the engine but then it will backfire and die again.

[hps4evr]

ok, just to be sure. why is not the coil?
do you have good fuel flow? something could be sticking and causing the fuel to come and go. or something plugging the fuel system up somewhere.
im not a carb guy. they dont teach carbs in school much anymore.
but if you say the spark isn't very strong, then maybe look to be sure the connections are all good.

[RUBI]

Sounds like an ignition prob......
If it's an AMC  V-8   (Ford ) ......Either way, I'd go to pick ur part and find a new ignition module( Dura Spark), and double check ur engine to frame ground. Also if it has one of those ceramic in line ballast resistors they can fail and work intermittently....(broken or cracked wire gets hot and then no contact)
 Before you start spending any ca$h on new stuff, (and it turns out to be as above) you might want to consider upgrading to something like this.....
http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/project-cj7-HEI.htm

[tonkatruck]

thanks for the website