starter questions

Jan 21, 2008 3 Replies

ive got a 90 Cherokee, and when i try to start it sometimes (almost every time recently) the starter seems to cut in and out from the flywheel. it turns the engine over a time or two then it stops turning the engine and you just hear the whiiiiiring of the starter motor going but no engine movement. ive never had a starter do this, is it common? maybe i could just fix the solenoid? thnx.


The starter could be getting worn out or you could have a dirty connection cutting down the power going to it so it isn't holding in.

I would clean the main battery cables at both ends first to see if that fixes it, if not, a starter is likely needed.

Spinning like that is bad news, it can take out the ring gear which is expensive to fix.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build Photos:
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The starter has a gear in it that engages the flywheel, and attached to it is a one-way drive called a sprague clutch. When the rollers in the clutch go bad, the starter will act as you describe. Remove starter Remove head off starter Remove c-clip on the gear end Remove gear and clutch as a unit (its one chunk of parts) get a new one at a car parts store Reverse the above.

Should take a couple of minutes Usually blows half a day.

Dave

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