Cleaning a starter before removal...

[MrShanks2U]

Being that the starter is conveniently located under the oil filter, what would you guys recommend is the best way to clean the starter and the area it mounts to before removing it?

[LizardRunner]

Steam cleaning is probably the best method, Gunk works pretty well as do other degreaser products. I've even used easyoff oven cleaner, it takes off everything, including any paint. The problem with most degreasers is that you have to use high pressure water to get them and the loosened grime off. but that low, it should not cause any electrical problems.

[cantab27]

dude just take it out , two bolts then go wash ya hands......

linky.... http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoStarterClean.htm

[Mudderoy]

dude just take it out , two bolts then go wash ya hands......

linky.... http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoStarterClean.htm

It would be easier to clean one it is out anyway. I started using those mechanic gloves. I still get dirty but clean up is faster.

[MrShanks2U]

dude just take it out , two bolts then go wash ya hands......


I'm not worried about getting my hands dirty. This starter is original and has 11 years worth of oil and crap caked on it. Just want to clean if off a bit before I take it to have it tested. I also don't want anything getting contaminated with debris when I remove it. Thanks though.

[Mudderoy]

I'm not worried about getting my hands dirty. This starter is original and has 11 years worth of oil and crap caked on it. Just want to clean if off a bit before I take it to have it tested. I also don't want anything getting contaminated with debris when I remove it. Thanks though.

I had to replace mine in the parking lot at work. In the dark. No problems. I don't blame you I'd rather have had it clean. My wife brought me two left hand gloves when she brought me the tools and the new starter. lol

[MrShanks2U]

I had to replace mine in the parking lot at work. In the dark. No problems. I don't blame you I'd rather have had it clean. My wife brought me two left hand gloves when she brought me the tools and the new starter. lol

I've been through a similar situation with my own truck before. It sucks. And as I said before, I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty. This engine and engine bay have never been cleaned before. It's filthy. I'm just trying to make it somewhat easier for me.

[XJ Wheeler]

Might could take a wire brush to it but not sure it would get down in it and screw it up. How bad is it? I changed the one on my moms zj 4.0, so easy it took ten minutes. It was amazingly cruddy, but i was just careful not to knock any crud in the hole.

See what i mean, before & after.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-11-12161100-1.jpg http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-11-12172846-1.jpg

[Jamie Lynn]

I had to replace mine in the parking lot at work. In the dark. No problems. I don't blame you I'd rather have had it clean. My wife brought me two left hand gloves when she brought me the tools and the new starter. lol

She was only trying to help Tony...lol..

[MrShanks2U]

...careful not to knock any crud in the hole.


My point...exactly.

My SIL's, believe it or not, looks worse than the one that was on your mom's jeep.

[XJ Wheeler]

My point...exactly.

My SIL's, believe it or not, looks worse than the one that was on your mom's jeep.

Haha, well your in luck. That stuff was so caked on that it wouldn't come off easy, i did try to clean it but gummed up the brush instead.

[MrShanks2U]

Haha, well your in luck. That stuff was so caked on that it wouldn't come off easy, i did try to clean it but gummed up the brush instead.

Great...

[xjrev10]

O it's so much fun plopping a greasy nasty starter right on the counter at the parts store to be tested! Looks are priceless!!

[ParadiseXJ]

See what i mean, before & after.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-11-12161100-1.jpg http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-11-12172846-1.jpg

I can't imagine why you were having problems with it. :eek: