starting issue - starter seems fine?

[dunl]

I just removed, cleaned, bench tested, and replaced the starter on our 89 4.0l. Turn the key, and there's nothing. When I bench tested the starter, it seemed to happily whirr as long as the current was connected.

 

Turn the key, and the lights dim.

 

Any ideas?

[Craft86MJ]

Are you sure your getting a full 12 volts at the starter? check fuses? Battery charged?

[dunl]

Okay, I'm a newb here with electrical, but the battery has 12v - I'll check the starter. I assume test the solenoid lead, and the lead for the cable coming from the battery - while trying to crank?

[dunl]

BTW, how smooth should the starter turn over? I'm wondering if free of the engine it is turning fine, but bogs down when installed?

[Craft86MJ]

I would take a volt meter to the positive cable that goes to the starter and try to turn it over without the starter of course, if you don't get a full 12 volts check your cables. If you get a full 12 volts then your starter windings are bad.

[Justin_k]

Hows your battery cable end?

Cherokee had the problem, new one fixed it.

Or does your motor have that much compression? :rotf:

Got a spare starter if you want it.

[gl1200aman]

"turn the key and there's nothing"

 

 

Do you mean the starter engages but does not turn the motor or as I interpret it that the starter does nothing at all? If it does nothing then check the wires and relays.

[dunl]

It was the starter. Brushes, solenoid, and it is all just like new.

 

Thx guys. :cheers: