Ok so I picked up a new XJ about a month ago and it's nice enough that I'm troubleshooting all the minor problems to get it to 100%. Right now the main thing bugging me is a slow crank. By slow crank I mean when I go out to start my jeep in the morning, it turns over very slow for 2-3 cranks and then fires up. Once it fires, it runs great... Here is what I have done so far and what is peculiar

Battery- PO put a new battery in about 5 months before I purchased the jeep... It was slow cranking, so the first thing I did was had the battery tested. It was a brand new AC Delco 5 year battery and it failed the test- too low of cold cranking amps and it was only 5 months old. I got a brand new one under warranty and it still cranks slow.

New Spark Plugs- didn't help

Cleaned up terminals- didn't help

Removed Starter- cleaned up all terminals and cleaned it up (was caked with oil from VC Gasket that I have now replaced) Took it to autozone, had it tested twice, and it passed every test...

Inspected all grounds- ground strap looks fine but i'll probably just replace it for the heck of it. All other leads look ok- terminals are a bit old but still clean and nothing looks frayed- although the ignition switch wire and sensor that connects to the starter looks very small...

Here is also what I know- when the engine is hot it starts a bit better but for having a new battery and plugs it still doesn't fire like it should (i've had 3 xjs now and know how they should fire like this).

The next thing I'm thinking is to get the alternator tested. How should I go about doing this? Taking it off and taking it into auto store and getting it checked?

Kind of getting frustrated as it is a SUPER clean XJ and this is pretty much the last thing to do in order to really get it in perfect working order.

 

Possibly your starter is just too frictional and needs to be replaced. Remember they're not testing the starter with a load on it if you actually took it in the store and had them test it. I had one that cranked super slow. Even made me think I had a dead battery but it just wouldn't crank like it should and liked to smoke a lot. I replaced the starter and it seemed to crank as fast as it idles. It had a whole different sound to it and everything. Think the original starters are a little weak on these things anyways and reman or new ones have a little more guts to them. Not saying this is your problem just offering a suggestion.

 

I do agree with XJdryva. But before you buy a starter do like you said have the alternator checked out. it my not be charging the battery enough. I do have to say you did do a good job on checking out everything so far. Good luck and let us know what you find.

 

I appreciate the info a bunch...

I think what I'll do is get the alternator tested because the battery going bad after 5 months really has me thinking alternator...

But I'll definitely keep the starter thing in mind and might even buy one just to try it

 

yea just like xjdryva said, mine was slow cranking since I bought it then It started not cranking at all randomly, I took the starter out and it tested good, but it was bad. A new one from AZ was only like $50 and it cranks way better now

 

If you have a voltmeter you can test the alt output yourself. Should show at least 14volts with engine running.

 

That is what I usually do. A meter check takes about 30 seconds and is a quick and dirty test of your charging system. 13.5 to 14.0 volts is pretty normal. Should see that on your dash voltage gauge if you have one.

Also, freshen all engine grounds. Often overlooked and you don't want to be chasing your tail for a simple ground issue.

If charging system is working properly and battery is new and grounds are fresh, starter is the primary suspect. Bench testing of starters is NOT 100% conclusive. I've seen quite a few pass all tests and still be bad.

 

I don't own a volt meter but with doing more of my own automotive work nowadays, I'm seriously considering picking up one...

If I do, do i just touch the negative and positive leads to each battery terminal and that will give me the reading i'm looking for?

 

I vote starter. Mine did the same thing.

 

Yup, with engine running. Choose DC Volts, 20Volt range unless the meter is an autoranging one.

Meters are inexpensive and invaluable for troubleshooting many things. Walmart has a basic one for as little as $10.

 

That's right. Meter on DC volts and at least 20 volt range.
Did you decide to replace the starter? I know mine 'sounds' like it labors (OE) I think. After 15+ years and thousands of starts it deserves a rest.

 

what was the conclusion to this? mine is currently having the same issue..

 

They're all different.

Start diagnosing after cleaning all connections etc.

Is your starter coated in oil from a leaky oil filter adapter seal?

 

it is coated in oil, maybe a little from where I had changed the oil, and there is a slight leak that I noticed today from the filter..

 

Starters don't work at their peak when soaked in oil. It gets inside of them.....