Starter quirk

What's going on with the starter on my F134? When I first try to turn it over the starter will give a "grind and spin" sound and then fires right up on the next try. I have gotten used to a two bump ritual - first key bump - zzzzzz, next key bump - vrooom, it does this whether it's been sitting for days, months, or minutes. Any ideas?

 

Flat spot on the ring gear or bad starter drive. ?

 

Has it ever started perfectly fine or normal since you have owned it? to me it kinda sounds like the bendix gear might be worn out and the gears aren't meshing correctly. or you could have the wrong number of gears for the starter matching the ring gear. my cj2a had a similar problem mostly was getting stuck in ring gear and wouldn't come out. once I had local repair shop replace the bendix I haven't had another problem

 

It's done this since I've owned it (year and a half). I think the PO might have moved it around his shop using "starter" power since the engine didn't run.

 

I pulled the original starter and took it apart and looked about like what you'd expect a 50 year old starter to look like. I replaced it with a Land Cruiser starter for $50 and it works great. I welded a smaller nut onto the top mounting bolt because it was pretty much impossible to get a wrench or a 3/4" socket on it. (Due to my sub standard welding skills it broke off when I tightened it down so you can't see it in the final pic.) Other than that and some enlarging of bolt holes it was a snap and saved me about $400.

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This is a Toyota starter and you put it instead the original one? Toyota copied the Jeep...

 

If you look at a Toyota FJ40 and a Jeep side by side, you'll notice that the LC looks like a CJ on steroids.

 

I had the same problem with mine. There could be a flat spot where the ring gear stops. It always seems to stop in one of four places when you shut the engine off, and that is where the starter hit the ring gear every time. But if it happens every time, I would think the problem is with your Bendix assembly. The teeth were well-worn on mine and the ring gear on the flywheel showed no signs of wear. If your starter is working fine, you can buy just the Bendix assembly and replace it, but you need to make sure you get the right one for your vehicle. There are many different ones. Once I ordered mine, I cleaned my starter (they pull easily), took it apart and checked the brushes, and undercut the mica on the commutator. If you don't know what this is, send me a private and I will explain. Don't want to take up everyone's time in here. Once I got the Bendix I removed one pin and the whole assembly slid off the shaft. I put the new Bendix on and it works great. The Bendix cost me forty some-odd dollars. The starter was over 4 times that much. Here is a link that worked for me. Any questions, I have been there, done that on this starter. I am finally glad to be able to give something back to someone in this forum. I have been asking a million questions on my jeep and everyone in here has been super helpful. It is appreciated...

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/categor...tory-rebuilt-starter-motors-parts-accessories

Later....

C. ;-P

 

Should have read further down before I posted. Looks like you have your problem solved. I would rebuild the other starter as a good spare...