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Starter

Hunner

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,334
Location
Arkansas
I have often thought that adding a starter to my list of spares for remote trips would seem silly to some people but how are you going to start an H3 with an automatic?

So with 75,000 plus miles on the rig, in the last couple of weeks it has kept cranking twice until I turned it off!

Probably a sticky solenoid, but now I feel I must pull it and check it out.
 

Best4x4

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,042
Location
Vidor, TX
I've had solenoids fail before and I just bypassed it with the key in the start position and I was on my way. Now if the actual starter motor fails that won't work. Sounds like a good trail spare to me!
 

Hunner

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,334
Location
Arkansas
The problem can be if a solenoid fails while engaged and the starter meshes or clashes with the flywheel while running, the starter can be fried and the components in the solenoid, spring and gear can also be damaged.

Jumping across the solenoid will only work if only the contactor has failed or at least in a couple of instances I can remember.
Mine is not failing it's not retracting even after the engine starts.

In my case a $100 for piece of mind saved me when the starter on my diesel Yanmar on my sailboat failed just before an impending storm and I had to replace it offshore, with a spare stuffed under the cushions for years.
I think they called it Katrina.

I will probably remove the current starter, lube up things and check the spring, then carry a spare.
Whats 10 more pounds? lol

Boy Scout, Eagle, Bronze and Silver palm, Order of the Arrow.
"Be Prepared" then there is Murphy's Law................
 

3Hummers

Super Moderator
Staff member
Messages
10,533
Location
Central Texas
Our H1 starters weigh a bit more than 10 pounds but I usually have one in my tow truck when I go to Moab but don't carry one in the truck when on the trail.
 

Best4x4

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,042
Location
Vidor, TX
I even had to use the old hammer trick on my 04 Grand Cherokee once. It had a bad spot on the starter and the tapping it with a hammer was enough to move it past it. Thank goodness because we were 4.0hr away from the nearest town and they didn't have one in stock!!

100.00 is worth it! I honestly think the starter on my wife's 07 is weak as it takes a few good turn of the starter before it fires up. When I replaced the one on my Grand Cherokee I was shocked at how much quicker and smoother it turned over!!
 

Hunner

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,334
Location
Arkansas
I had one with the dead spot once on an MGA but it had a crank I could re-position or start it with!!

The fuel pump had a leather diaphragm.

We have come a long way in vehicle technology!
 

Best4x4

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,042
Location
Vidor, TX
I was 2_merit badges away.... Had everything else done, then I hit 18 and there were no explorer troops in my area so I was out lol.
 
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