Cold Weather Issue

1st I did search and have found info close to what I am about to ask.

We have had some king hell cold temps. My 93 XJ ran fine last week after I charged the battery and had some issues with starting in the cold.

Now we have had another cold snap and when I go to start it it will turn but not start and when I get out I think I smell gas. Not my own of course.

When I popped the hood to hook up a battery charger for a quick start, the voltage was a bit low after a few cranks. I noticed I must have knocked the tube off of the overflow bottle and there was no antifreeze in it.

So to you wise jeep sages I ask you:

1. Is it too cold to start the green hornet?
2. New Distro cap?/Clean Distro Cap
3. New Battery?
4. Did I fry the radiator?
5. Did I fry something else (ECU)
6. Is the gas smell anti-freeze, and the engine is frozen

This is my winter car and the only way I can really get to Denver. I am going to make sure everything is full get a new battery and see what happens. It usually starts fine. Runs fine and I maintain it fluids, tune ups, etc.

Kind of stumped. And thanks in advance.

check battery voltage with a meter at the battery with someone turning the key. if it drops below 10v, its usually not enough to start the engine.

if the battery is fine and its cranking over but not starting, you need to check for spark and fuel.

no spark usually means a bad cps or bad coil.

you say you smell gas. are you pumping the gas pedal? you shouldnt need to pump the gas with fuel injection.

I think you're on the right track by replacing the battery. Your engine does not like it when available battery voltage is low and it can even prevent starting. Especially in cold weather; electrical needs to be up to snuff. Be sure to clean the battery cables and posts when the new battery goes in. At the very least, have your current battery load tested to be sure it is up to the task. Checking with a meter isn't comprehensive enough testing for a battery.

Still doesn't start? As mentioned by 89xj, you need to test to see what part of the starting equation you are missing (spark + fuel + compression = start).

A quick and dirty test is to spray a small amount of starting fluid into the intake. If it starts and runs momentarily, then you have a fuel delivery problem, not a spark problem. For spark, pull a plug or place a spare plug in a pulled plug wire. Place the plug electrode near a good engine ground (don't hold it) and have a buddy crank the engine over while you watch. Looking for a strong snapping blue spark. Orange/yellow means weak spark which may not be enough to fire the engine.

Fill coolant reservoir and radiator, (use coolant tester to be sure you're at the recommended 50-50 mixture which is good down to at least -30 farenheit) monitor level closely to ensure you aren't leaking or burning coolant.

Good luck and post back what you find!