crackling sound from distributor

1986 JEEP CJ7
86,000 MILES • 0.6L • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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SCOTT BETTERSWORTH
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I hear a crackling sound from the distributor when I turn the key to the first position. I can get the sound to change if I move the head lights knob to dim the gauges all the way to the right.

I just changed the gauges (fuel, temperature, light bulbs in speedometer), oil pressure and voltage. I also put in new indicator lights for the ventilation system (fan, heat, etc.), I put in a new wiper switch.

I am not sure how any of the above would create an issue w the distributor.

Any ideas?
Sep 8, 2019 at 6:27 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Hi,

I imagine I know what a cracking sound is but is it loud enough to get a recording of it? Normally I can pick up on what the issue is based on what the sound is. The only thing I am thinking at this point is you may have an overall vehicle grounding issue and you have something back feeding through the vehicle. However, let me know if you can get a recording and we can go from there. Thanks
Sep 8, 2019 at 7:05 PM
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SCOTT BETTERSWORTH
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Thanks for your help. Additional information; the gas tank has been pulled. The ground is disconnected as is the fuel level indicator.
Video (Click to enlarge)
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Sep 10, 2019 at 1:49 PM
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MASTERWRENCH
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Hey Scott. That's a very interesting sound, certainly not one I've ever heard from a distributor. It's also very odd that there would be any connection between the dimmer switch and this noise. Does the engine still start and run normally? Have you tried unplugging the distributor connector to see if the noise goes away?
Sep 10, 2019 at 8:58 PM
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SCOTT BETTERSWORTH
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I can’t start it right now because the gas tank is detached. It turns over and started fine before the tank was removed. I’ll try disconnecting the distributor and see what happens. Also checking all the dash wiring connections.

Thanks
Sep 11, 2019 at 8:10 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Sounds good. I agree with MasterWrench that this doesn't seem to have a connection. Unless something is back feeding or we have some rubbed through wires.

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
Sep 11, 2019 at 2:46 PM