Jeep CJ7 Electrical problem....

[dylanborns]

I'm having trouble with a '77 cj7 I just purchased. When I got it, I was having some minor electrical problems with headlights, turn signals, and the hazard lights. After some work and research, I tracked it down to bad fuses. After replacing the fuses and having everything work, I took it out for a spin. When I got home I noticed smoke from the engine comp. and after taking a look, noticed I had burned through the plastic line that goes to the fuel pressure gauge. I replaced that and tried to start the vehicle but had no power. Nothing electrical is working. The starter isn't even clicking. All of the fuses are good; the battery is brand new and I even took it back and had it tested; I used a tester and found I DO have power to the positive side of the starter solenoid; I think I found all of the grounds and made sure they were connected correctly; The battery cables don't have any corrosion on them and seem ok, I can get them tight on the battery post, but they are the old lead type. I can't really think of anything else to include. I know this jeep runs bc I've driven it a little bit everyday since I bought it. Any ideas?

[rhandwor]

Look at the wiring at the starter their should be some fuse able links that may have burnt into two pieces. You may find some at a scrap yard otherwise use wire that is two wire sizes smaller than the big wire.
What burned the plastic tubing did you have a short.

[fredjacksonsan]

Fusible links could be it....but also, check where the wiring goes through the firewall, or makes a turn, or passes anything sharp, or rubs against something. I'd bet there's some insulation rubbed off somewhere.