Im not sure if the 55 has a petcock on the bottom of the tank where the feul line conects or not but if it does its probably pluged.It was on my 51 and on my 42.As for cranking,bad ground or poor wires will make for poor cranking.New cables made a world of difference on my 51.Make sure you get the proper guage wires if this is a 6 volt systmn.
1942 1\2 Ton
1951 1\2 Ton 55 willys cj-5
1954 and 59 Cushman Scooter
1960 Biscayne Sedan
1965 G/10 panel van
1966 C/30 Grizzly Motorhome
You know you're a 'Bolter when your daily driver is older than you are... My progress pics 
