Got it all cleaned and it idles better now. Used some carb and throttle body cleaner. Next project.. Aux horn.

 

Got the horn working!! Little bit of rigging but it will work.

 

I got hornbuilts rear bumper with the hitch, go for it it's worth the money.

 

I was thinking about it today. I was moving the front one around a bit today and very pleased with it's strength and quality. I think I could feel just fine buying it for the rear. Plus it would match. Thanks for the advice, I'll probably be getting it now.

 

Got it through inspection today. All pass. So now I can at least have use of my 4WD if we start getting bad weather. Looking forward to next Monday now. Got bumper tie in's on the way and can finally get my bumper on.

 

Well... things were going well....


Put key in ignition, turn key, just hear a spinning sound....


I do it a few times and eventually the Jeep starts. when It starts, it has no problem and fires off pretty quick, but sometimes when I go to start it, it just makes a spinning noise. No crank sound, no metal on metal clanking, just a very fast spinning sound. Someone wrote that it could be the CPS... others say the starter. I got to work today, but I don't want to hurt it by driving it more (even though I don't think I am).


Thanks for any advice or tips...

 

Not sure if it matters, but I started my xj 3 more times after I last posted. Each time I put the key in, turned the switch long enough to make the gauges fire up and then started the jeep. Worked like a charm each time. Can it be related to the engine being hot and restarting causing an issue?

 

When we went to Rausch, my friends CPS went on him. When he would try to start it, it wouldn't make any noise. I think it may be the starter starting to go.

 

It happened again tonight, this time the check engine light came on. I'm gonna park it till I can get it in the shop... Sooo could the bad (CPs or starter) cause the check engine light come on??

Edit: quick google search proved that wrong. I'll be taking it to the shop on Monday and have them run the codes.

 

Worked on the unibody issue today. I got it mostly fixed, but I'm still getting the tie ins put on for extra strength since it had to be heated up pretty good with my torch. Oh well, new parts

 

Ps the check engine light went off and everything worked fine on the way to the shop. They suggested a new starter and I agree. That's next weeks project (I hope).

 

I had a similar issue with my old 98. I was dumb and forgot it was in 1st after I started it, popped the clutch, and stalled (I don't know how this caused the starter to fail but apparently it did). Anyway afterwards my starter made the same spinning/whirring noise, and wouldn't crank the motor. Spent around $60-70 for a new starter and the Jeep started like a champ for the rest of its days. Just my two cents, your Jeep looks good by the way.

 

Thanks for the compliment, straxcla, I appreciate it your the third person to tell me starter so I'll work on that this week. One guy told me that what can happen is when you take off the oil filter, some oil will drop onto and eventually into the starter. Thanks again!

 

Hey straxcla, where did you get your starter? What's a fair price on them?

 

I got mine from Napa because it was the closest auto parts store to me, and I needed the starter ASAP. I think it was around 70 bucks. If you don't need it immediately you might be able to shop around and find one cheaper, call a couple stores in your area. Don't forget to take your old one in too, core charges.