Starter motor going weird

[chinard]

Okay, i've been having weird problems with my starter lately.

Whats happening is that it will start to turn over, and then it feels as though it "pops" out of its gear and just starts spinning freely.
I usually have to crank it about 2-3 times before it will actually turn over the engine.

I know very little about starters, so i'm wondering how easy it is to either fix the existing starter, or how much work is involved in replacing the starter completely.

I'd rather not replace the whole starter if i can avoid it. It seems to spin fine, it's just recently had problems keeping it engaged.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The starter solenoid may be going bad, it's what moves the bendix gear to engage the flywheel.

 

[chinard]

that sounds like what is happening.

I was looking in the haynes manual in regards to the starter "solonoid" and they showed a picture of the starter switch :roll:

But i know what you are talking about. Its the little acuator that actually pushes the gear into place to engage the flywheel.. It keeps popping out.

Anyways, is this something that is replaceable or fixable without having to buy a whole new starter?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'm not familiar with the CJ starter, but it's replacable if it's anything like the older GM starters.

 

[Tug-n-pull]

Get a new one at auto zone for 23.99 or a life time one for 35.00 Dont fix it at them prices go get one. tug

 

[chinard]

easy to replace, i take it?

 

[TwistedCU]

MML install, need help !!!

Starters are usually very easy to replace. 2 bolts and a electrical plug. I think the YJ has those inside-out torx bolts which rank really high on the stupidest thing I have ever seen list! :shock: I don't know about the CJ, but make sure you take a look before you get all ready to swap it out (you might need a new socket).

 

[chinard]

Piece of cake...

2 9/16" bolts and one 1/2" bolt for the wire bolt. Replaced it in like 10 mins.

Took it down to canadian tire and they even gave me $30 trade in for it on a brand new Bosch with a 5 yr warr...
Not bad.