Calgary Jeep Association

Author Topic: waterproofing starters  (Read 1160 times)

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Offline JasonL_031

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waterproofing starters
« on: July 20, 2008, 09:43:26 PM »
has anyone here read online or have water proofed there starter??? after wheeling on saturday and frying my second starter in 8 months because of mud and water i was just wondering if anyone knows how to water proof it.  and does anyone know any cheap places that will rebuild starters??
1994 ZJ
6.5 inch custom lift
5.2L v8 with 5.9 exhaust
35x12.5r15 beadlocks
custom front bumper
98 leather interior
rugged ridge steering conversion
np231 tcase swap
HIDs
LED off road lights

Offline Vinman

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Re: waterproofing starters
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2008, 06:06:04 AM »
has anyone here read online or have water proofed there starter??? after wheeling on saturday and frying my second starter in 8 months because of mud and water i was just wondering if anyone knows how to water proof it.  and does anyone know any cheap places that will rebuild starters??

Don't water proof your starter or alternator, the mud will always get it, you just have to get it back out before it does damage.

When my first TJ was a couple of months old, I mudded the heck out of it and the starter began making awful noises. I took a power-washer to it and blasted the heck out of it and the noise stopped. I traded the Jeep in 2-1/2 years and 80,000 km later and still had the quiet original starter on it.

I got into the habit of power-washing the complete engine compartment, especially the starter, alternator and around all the pullies after every wheeling trip and had very little problems from mud.

Vince
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Offline SwampSinger

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Re: waterproofing starters
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2008, 07:13:27 AM »
stay away from mud... it's evil... not only your starter and alternator will go ...it will get in your clutch, bearings, sometime it get in your tranny and T-case.

I hate mud! it's evil.... I agree .... good wash after a run helps.  My alternator is located lower than a TJ ... I always give it a good "bath" if I have to go in Mud.

The best thing is to try to stay away from that silky mud we have around here

Offline Gearhead

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Re: waterproofing starters
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2008, 09:32:12 AM »
has anyone here read online or have water proofed there starter??? after wheeling on saturday and frying my second starter in 8 months because of mud and water i was just wondering if anyone knows how to water proof it.  and does anyone know any cheap places that will rebuild starters??

Best to avoid deep mud / water when possible as mentioned .   x 2 on this ......  A thorough bath following your off roading trip will extend the life of a starter or alternator.  " Cheap " & "rebuilt" = trouble.   Fact ,  a new starter is cheaper than a cheesy rebuild , call amerage technology , they've always treated me and my pals well , the rebuilds they do are more professional than what you would get on exchange from auto parts stores , better parts , more of them.  Amperage technology sells brand new starters too.  Most parts store exchange units get a cleaning , a bit of paint and the bare minimum as far as new  what new parts are replaced ,  these come with a  high price tag too.

Offline 4PLAYZJ

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Re: waterproofing starters
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2008, 05:17:44 PM »
NAPA sells a line of "New" starters & alternators that come with a lifetime warranty.  Only about 10-20% more than their remanufactured  ones.  Just keep you invoice and they will keep giving you new ones.

Offline BlackYJ

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Re: waterproofing starters
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2008, 12:27:52 PM »
after wheeling on saturday and frying my second starter in 8 months because of mud and water i was just wondering if anyone knows how to water proof it. 

Also don't go bombing through mud holes are mach 10 either.  It causes mud and water to splash up into the engine bay affecting the starter and alternator.  I have seem several people fry alternator because of this
'95 YJ with a few mods