heres the scoop 99 xj 145xxx, my starter works perfect 98% of the time... some times itll crank real hard for three or 4 turns then dies right down like i have a bad batt. then before i can go and release the key itll kick right back up to full power and turn over. do i need to replace the starter soon?

 

Bump-o

 

Seems like you might have a bad cable or connection? Or the brushes are going bad a not connecting good. Do you have oil leaks? Oil in the starter can cause all kinds of problems.

 

yea that sounds right i have a bad valve cover gasket it leaks from there i believe everything else is clean that and i took it mudding last month which i cant figure out how to upload pics to here it wont let me, maybe i have a combo of oil and water in there

 

I had this problem with my 92 starter was covered in oil. New starter and gasket did the trick. Not much you can do about the water. Get a starter with a good warranty if you drown it get another.