GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 So, it's been a while since i've posted here. Mostly because I have had no time to work on the truck. Full time student while also working a full time job. Since today was labor day I had some time to mess around with it. I hook up a good battery to it, get in, turn the key over, and... just a loud click from the starter. So I know I have an electrical problem somewhere. I know the motor is not seized up. The truck has new plugs, wires, distibuter, and cap, so I'm going to assume the problem is not in those components. Battery is reading at ~12.55 so I think its OK. Battery cables are old, and need to be replaced, but I don't believe them to be the issue right now. Which leads me to thinking the problem is the starter. So naturally, I tap it with a hammer a few times, try again, and nothing. Just the click. Then, I connect a jumper cable from the positive terminal, to the starter, and again, just a click. It did not spin. I may very well be wrong, but I believe this means the starter is bad. Am i correct in my assumption? Did I overlook something? The truck is an 86 2.5l auto 4x4. On a somewhat related note, I now have a 95 dakota sitting in my yard with a bad motor. Does anyone have any clue if the starter from it will work on the comanche? Or any other parts from it that may be a fairly simple swap over? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 Also should probably note, when connecting a jumper cable to the starter, the starter got really hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Pull the starter and bench test it before you burn the harness up. Sounds like the brushes are shorted. http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/jeep/4.0L/how-to-test-the-starter-motor-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyRodder Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Sounds like it to me. Most auto places test for free as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Sounds like it to me. Most auto places test for free as well Yep, they do. That's how they sell their new/rebuilt starters to fish even if they don't need them. :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I'll bet this starter is soaked in engine oil from a leak up above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyRodder Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Sounds like it to me. Most auto places test for free as well Yep, they do. That's how they sell their new/rebuilt starters to fish even if they don't need them. :yes: Thats how they got me on an alternator- new guy hooked it up. Throws sparks all over. Then he says "Oops, I had it hooked up wrong. Yeah, its bad.". Bastards. Manager told me tough crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I'll bet this starter is soaked in engine oil from a leak up above. Until this happened to me I had no idea it was such a common problem. Mine got gradually more sluggish until it would barely turn the engine. I thought for sure my at the time brand new battery was a dud. But if it just suddenly quit working and gets really hot when jumped my bet would be on a zonkered motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I've taken the oil soaked starters apart a few times and cleaned them with brake cleaner. Pretty simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I just take them apart and soak overnight in a bucket of mineral spirits. Use a paint brush to clean all the cracks and crevices, then blow dry. Reassemble using new brushes if they are shot. Grease the bearings and clean the commutator with fine Emery paper until it shines to ensure good brush contact. After all that it'll turn your engine at about 2000 RPM when starting. :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 12, 2016 Author Share Posted September 12, 2016 So today I'm working on the truck again. I was removing the starter, and its STUCK. I removed the bolts, and wires holding it, and it still won't come out. I tried prying it off with a flathead screwdriver, and hitting it with a hammer and a block of wood, and it won't budge. It obviously has been on there since it rolled off the factory line in 86. Anyone have any tips for getting it off? I have it soaking in some liquid wrench right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 Sure you took the correct 2 bolts out? Look again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 12, 2016 Author Share Posted September 12, 2016 Sure you took the correct 2 bolts out? Look again. Nope. I didn't realize it bolted vertically. I guess the exhast has to come off to pull the starter? seems a little odd. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Very odd since the starter is on the passenger side and the exhaust is on the driver side. which engine do you have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Read his signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Read his signature. Okay. Good point. Starter is still on one side and exhaust on the other though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 The 2.5 starter mounts differently than the 4.0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 I'm aware of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 13, 2016 Author Share Posted September 13, 2016 this is what I'm dealing with. Hopefully it will make it a little clearer. ps. please ignore the oil leak. thats the next project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Cruiser can explain that for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Can't get a wrench in there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 13, 2016 Author Share Posted September 13, 2016 Can't get a wrench in there? Nope. I'm thinking maybe a long socket extension with a knuckle on the end of it. A wrench would work if I could turn it when I get it on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 You'll get it. Curious. What 2 bolts did you use previously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 13, 2016 Author Share Posted September 13, 2016 You'll get it. Curious. What 2 bolts did you use previously? I'll try to snap a picture tomorrow. they are parallel with the starter. a small one near the bottom and a slightly larger one on top of the starter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaJeeper93 Posted September 14, 2016 Author Share Posted September 14, 2016 finally. Now to find a cheap replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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