ok. 1996 4.0. has been having a "hard start" for about 2 weeks now. starts fine in the morning but after driving, stopping and starting again there would be a hesitation. now jeep wont start at all

the starter is a year old but i took it out and tested solenoid and bench tested the starter motor. everything fine....but it really seems like its the starter. could the starter pass a bench test but when put under load back in the jeep still be defective?

when i jumped the car it ran like a top...so its probably my ignition system right? where should i start?

battery is holding charge. terminals are clean and tight. cables are old but seem fine. ...

help

 

yes it can pass a bench test and still be bad

is it slow turnig over
or just nothing
or clicking

 

if you havent ever replaced your cables you might want to think about doing that with a good set of cables it will help with everything not just your starter

 

ok first question... When you try to start it does the engine crank over like it should or is it slower? If it is slow then your problem is in your starting system.

If not it could be your ignition or fuel system.

 

ok. so i turn ignition to start and i hear a click and kinda like a slow turn. it sounds like it could still be the starter possibly not engaging... but i'd hate to swap out a good starter if i don't have too. so i'll try the cables and see what happens. also, the place where the oil filter sits is leaking. not the oil filter but up another inch loks like some kind of gasket is leaking and it was leaking right on the starter. that could have killed starter right?

 

it was the starter. but i am going to replace battery cables and engine ground anyway with spring tune-up here. thanks for the input. i love this forum. you guys are so helpful. more on my jeep project and pics to come.

 

alright sorry i havent been on in a while but you need to watch thaty oil leak coming from your engine, if your head is leaking you wil want to replace that gasket ASAP. dont do any more damage that is needed, that gasket can cause alot of problems for you

 

Oil leaks in that area are common.

Oil pressure sender, oil filter adapter are usual culprits.

 

I agree but from what i understood the leak was higher than the filter... idk just make sure you find itand at least make sure its not a big deal

 

i have a small leak at valve cover in back that i will get to in a few days. but the oil filter adapter is the culprit. i can see it leaking and it slowly drips down the battery wires going to the starter and that is why my starter was coated with oil. i bought the O ring kit at dealership for $4.80 and have read how to fix this thing...BUT m still looking for a single t60 torx sans socket. i can only find it in a set $45! so....i'm going to try and borrow the bit. any tricks i should know before i try this fix?