87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift

I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
seek some advice.

I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
top!

I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
reply in easy terminology or at least define things.

Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)

A few other questions:

My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?

My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
missing something crucial?

Thanks!

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

I assume it's having a mechanical problem one and not an electrical one?
What do the starters do when they fail, just spin and not turn the
engine? When you take a bad starter out what exactly has failed?

I'm not sure what setup this has, perhaps it has a solenoid that's
hanging up and keeping the starter spinning after the engine has started?

Jeff DeWitt

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

I assume it's having a mechanical problem one and not an electrical one?
What do the starters do when they fail, just spin and not turn the
engine? When you take a bad starter out what exactly has failed?

I'm not sure what setup this has, perhaps it has a solenoid that's
hanging up and keeping the starter spinning after the engine has started?

Jeff DeWitt

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

I assume it's having a mechanical problem one and not an electrical one?
What do the starters do when they fail, just spin and not turn the
engine? When you take a bad starter out what exactly has failed?

I'm not sure what setup this has, perhaps it has a solenoid that's
hanging up and keeping the starter spinning after the engine has started?

Jeff DeWitt

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

Your heating and venting system probably has a frozen or bent cable or two.
The Jeep Wrangler Haynes Manual 50030 (1777) isn't too bad for removing the
heater. It drops down and backwards once the heater cables, defroster duct,
and mounting bolts are removed. You have to drain the cooling system too.
Usually the cables are sold individually, instead of in a kit, but the
dealer is the one who will know for sure. I prefer the "mouse trap system"
to the annoying vacuum servo motors in my Suburban, but it takes all kinds.

Earle

<markbmeyer@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1148332302.821899.83680@38g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>



*** Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com ***

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

Your heating and venting system probably has a frozen or bent cable or two.
The Jeep Wrangler Haynes Manual 50030 (1777) isn't too bad for removing the
heater. It drops down and backwards once the heater cables, defroster duct,
and mounting bolts are removed. You have to drain the cooling system too.
Usually the cables are sold individually, instead of in a kit, but the
dealer is the one who will know for sure. I prefer the "mouse trap system"
to the annoying vacuum servo motors in my Suburban, but it takes all kinds.

Earle

<markbmeyer@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1148332302.821899.83680@38g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>



*** Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com ***

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

Your heating and venting system probably has a frozen or bent cable or two.
The Jeep Wrangler Haynes Manual 50030 (1777) isn't too bad for removing the
heater. It drops down and backwards once the heater cables, defroster duct,
and mounting bolts are removed. You have to drain the cooling system too.
Usually the cables are sold individually, instead of in a kit, but the
dealer is the one who will know for sure. I prefer the "mouse trap system"
to the annoying vacuum servo motors in my Suburban, but it takes all kinds.

Earle

<markbmeyer@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1148332302.821899.83680@38g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!
>



*** Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com ***

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

The starter had to be loose to snap a bolt. Maybe you have been using
the wrong bolts all along?

We 'kill' starters like crazy when we used to mud run. The mud packs up
inside of them and seizes up the brushes when it dries out. Rather than
having to replace them, we open them up and give them a good spray with
WD40 to clean all the crap out, then regrease parts as needed and put
them back in.

That said, the brand of starter you are using could just be plain bad.
I got a bad couple of 'rebuilt' starters that did kill my ring gear so I
went to a different brand with the new gear. Sure the damn starters
were under warranty, but they didn't cover the engine removal to replace
the ring gear or the gear itself.

I highly recommend you get the Haynes 'CJ' manual. This one covers your
CJ engine and heating system 1000 times better than the YJ book. All
your cables need a good grease job once in a while. I did mine 6 years
ago and need to do them again soon because the top fresh air cable is
getting too stiff again.

Some people say they can get the heater out if they remove the passenger
side seat for room, but taking the dash off is by far the best way.
There is one real nasty nut to undo that sits at the edge of the valve
cover on the engine side firewall.

When I had mine apart, I upgraded to a massive GM heater blower motor.
This motor fits right into the heater box and literally puts out more on
low than the stock motor put out on high. I can defrost all the windows
and drive in -20 with no gloves or boots needed.

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/body/heater.html

You are likely in for trouble with the gas tank skid plate. If it is
that rusty, the bolts are not likely to come out. The bolts into the
rear crossmember are carriage bolts so you can cut them off and push out
the heads. The front ones have nuts on them. A grinder or dremil tool
with a fiberglass cut off wheel can be real handy for getting them
apart.

The gas tank comes down with the skid plate, so an empty tank is
recommended.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

The starter had to be loose to snap a bolt. Maybe you have been using
the wrong bolts all along?

We 'kill' starters like crazy when we used to mud run. The mud packs up
inside of them and seizes up the brushes when it dries out. Rather than
having to replace them, we open them up and give them a good spray with
WD40 to clean all the crap out, then regrease parts as needed and put
them back in.

That said, the brand of starter you are using could just be plain bad.
I got a bad couple of 'rebuilt' starters that did kill my ring gear so I
went to a different brand with the new gear. Sure the damn starters
were under warranty, but they didn't cover the engine removal to replace
the ring gear or the gear itself.

I highly recommend you get the Haynes 'CJ' manual. This one covers your
CJ engine and heating system 1000 times better than the YJ book. All
your cables need a good grease job once in a while. I did mine 6 years
ago and need to do them again soon because the top fresh air cable is
getting too stiff again.

Some people say they can get the heater out if they remove the passenger
side seat for room, but taking the dash off is by far the best way.
There is one real nasty nut to undo that sits at the edge of the valve
cover on the engine side firewall.

When I had mine apart, I upgraded to a massive GM heater blower motor.
This motor fits right into the heater box and literally puts out more on
low than the stock motor put out on high. I can defrost all the windows
and drive in -20 with no gloves or boots needed.

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/body/heater.html

You are likely in for trouble with the gas tank skid plate. If it is
that rusty, the bolts are not likely to come out. The bolts into the
rear crossmember are carriage bolts so you can cut them off and push out
the heads. The front ones have nuts on them. A grinder or dremil tool
with a fiberglass cut off wheel can be real handy for getting them
apart.

The gas tank comes down with the skid plate, so an empty tank is
recommended.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!

Re: 87 YJ eating starters and a few odds and ends
 

The starter had to be loose to snap a bolt. Maybe you have been using
the wrong bolts all along?

We 'kill' starters like crazy when we used to mud run. The mud packs up
inside of them and seizes up the brushes when it dries out. Rather than
having to replace them, we open them up and give them a good spray with
WD40 to clean all the crap out, then regrease parts as needed and put
them back in.

That said, the brand of starter you are using could just be plain bad.
I got a bad couple of 'rebuilt' starters that did kill my ring gear so I
went to a different brand with the new gear. Sure the damn starters
were under warranty, but they didn't cover the engine removal to replace
the ring gear or the gear itself.

I highly recommend you get the Haynes 'CJ' manual. This one covers your
CJ engine and heating system 1000 times better than the YJ book. All
your cables need a good grease job once in a while. I did mine 6 years
ago and need to do them again soon because the top fresh air cable is
getting too stiff again.

Some people say they can get the heater out if they remove the passenger
side seat for room, but taking the dash off is by far the best way.
There is one real nasty nut to undo that sits at the edge of the valve
cover on the engine side firewall.

When I had mine apart, I upgraded to a massive GM heater blower motor.
This motor fits right into the heater box and literally puts out more on
low than the stock motor put out on high. I can defrost all the windows
and drive in -20 with no gloves or boots needed.

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/body/heater.html

You are likely in for trouble with the gas tank skid plate. If it is
that rusty, the bolts are not likely to come out. The bolts into the
rear crossmember are carriage bolts so you can cut them off and push out
the heads. The front ones have nuts on them. A grinder or dremil tool
with a fiberglass cut off wheel can be real handy for getting them
apart.

The gas tank comes down with the skid plate, so an empty tank is
recommended.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

markbmeyer@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Specs: 1987 YJ 6cyc 4.2L BBL, 4" rancho lift
>
> I have read much about starter problems in this group and still need to
> seek some advice.
>
> I have replaced my starter every year for the past 4 years, now I have
> put in three straight starters within the past month. It seems like
> recently they are fine for approximately 10-12 starts and then they
> crap out on me. For the first few, I replaced them myself, but then
> have since gone to a dealership to have work done by a "professional"
> and to get a better warranty. There is no damage or signs of damage to
> the flywheel and it seems to make good contact. The last visit to the
> mechanic left with the resolution that a "bolt" had broken off that
> mounted the starter, thus causing it to physically move. If this has
> occurred 3 straight times, I am inclined to believe that something is
> causing more tension than need be? Or could it just be a faulty
> bolt.......3 times in a row? Has anyone else run into a string of back
> luck such as this with a starter? The dealership mechanic is very
> talented and solved my carb problem several years back, but they can't
> seem to make any sense of this either. Once started it runs like a
> top!
>
> I am not very mechanically inclined, I can do the easy stuff and I like
> to tinker, but can't trouble shoot tough things very well, so please
> reply in easy terminology or at least define things.
>
> Please, someone give me hope! (inexpensive hope)
>
> A few other questions:
>
> My tank skid plate is nearly rusted through. Is replacing the gas tank
> skid plate an easy affair, or will I have to drop the gas tank as well?
> Will the replacement plates come with new bolts, or is this something
> I should purchase before I start, or will the old ones do?
>
> My heating and venting system doesn't operate very fluidly, I have to
> poke open the vents with a stick in the summer and manually move the
> heater in the winter. Are there repair kits made for this mouse trap
> system (pulleys and levers) of heating and cooling on old wranglers?
> Is it reasonably accessible, or would the dash need to be removed?
> Also, it seems like I am always getting heat on the drivers side feet
> no matter if the heat is on or not. Is that exhaust heat? Am I
> missing something crucial?
>
> Thanks!