Question about electrical connectors in a jeep that is not s

[87 Money Pit]

This is for an 87 grand wagoneer

My jeep is not starting ... I am trying to troubleshoot properly instead of throwing parts at it (which works half the time ...)

I am trying to disconnect the electrical connectors at the ignition control module (2 wire and 4 wire connectors) without tearing up the plugs on the wiring harness side of everything. Before this I was checking the distributor pickup coil I broke the plastic ears on the socket that hold the plug from the distributor in. Of course the pickup coil was OK ( about 600 ohms) but I'll need to replace it too with the connector broken now.

Any hints on getting these apart without breaking everything? I am trying to avoid pulling on the wires and I've tried using pliers ( gently using pliers that is)

If anyone's curious the coil is new so the problem is not there. I was also experiencing some heat related problems where it would die and then start after cooling off for a while ... I am leaning towards the ignition control unit but wanted to check it first.






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[jaber]

I think I have managed to brake them off of every plug on the thing when I put the '85 harness into the '75 J-20. The connections are firm enough that I dont worry, a little Dielectric and all is happy.

The dieing issue, I would also replace the module, but only with a quality one. Motorcraft or Napa are the best I know of.

Some guys gut the unit and wire a chevy 4 PIN module into it. I can post a link if interested.

[87 Money Pit]

Thanks ... I'll probably go with a stock module but I wouldn't mind seeing your link to the 4 pin module


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[jaber]

Heres the GM ingition mod...

http://www.junkyardgenius.com/ignition/jeep/HEI01.html

And heres a link to the part #'s to TFI your current ignition system. Its all bolt on and will be just as good as going HEI.

http://fsjeep.homestead.com/TFI_Upgade.html

[babywag]

'87 could have duraspark style connectors or weatherpack style connectors @ module.

Duraspark connectors just pull apart you don't need to release the tabs.
They get stuck after 20-30 years and will need help.
Spray them good w/ brake cleaner then use a sharp pick or small flat screwdriver to get a good bite while pulling them apart.

If weatherpack the locking tabs do need to be released, and may break.
You can replace a weatherpack connector easily.
Need a release tool to remove the wires/connectors and a new plug.
NAPA may stock them or can order them.
However you'll need a counter person who can read a book.
Or go rob a GM vehicle @ boneyard w/ enough wire on the plugs to solder onto your existing wiring.

If duraspark connectors good luck they suck, I would replace them w/ new or used weatherpack.

[87 Money Pit]

Thanks for the replies on this ... Went to NAPA yesterday when they first opened and had this installed about 20 minutes after I got back home. Started right up after that.


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