I removed my starter 2 weeks ago and set it aside while changing the rear seal. There is one long bolt and one short bolt. I believe the short bolt goes in the top and the long one in the bottom. The bottom hole is deep enough for this bolt but I can't get it to go all the way in. The washer is on the bolt. I kept lubing it and it feels like it is out of threads. This bolt is almost 2 inch's long. I added another washer but it still needs another one to be tight. What am I missing here? Maybe that bolt was never tightened all the way. Would you use a bottom tap to make it go all the way?

 

Someone who knows lengths off hand will chime in, but you do not need additional washers or a tap to properly mount the starter. Assumes of course that it was properly mounted to start with.

 

I also noticed that 1 bolt head was 15mm and the other was 9/16th.

 

Been there, done that on my 98. Both bolts have the same thread, so that's no diagnostic. If one bottoms out, remove it and place it in the other hole. Worked for me.

 

Ya, what he said.. switch 'em.

 

I just replaced the starter a couple weeks ago. Short bolt goes on bottom and longer bolt goes on top

I mean if I couldn't get the bolts to fit, first thing I would try is to switch them and see how that goes. I wouldn't go back on the forum and ask then wait for the answer. I would be staying under the jeep until the problem is solved. Don't be such a Bimmerjeeper.

 

Have a look in this thread. Sizes stated.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/98-...t-sizes-47361/