In my last oil change my oil filter slipped from my hands covering the side of the block. Over the next two weeks my 92 XJ became more and more sluggish to start finally giving up altogether. Starter shop in business for40 years said its common for 4.0 l6 starters to be oil contaminated resulting in what he called an " Oil Bath Failure. Mine also has a valve cover gasket leak too so I'm not sure if its attributable to the leak, the spill or both. Just thought I would pass this along. I have no definitive evidence other than I trust the guy I have known for 40 plus years.

 

He's right. Valve cover leaks don't usually do it, but spilling oil onto the starter or an oil filter adapter leak (very common) will do it.

 

It's about the only thing that kills those starters.

 

Except old age.

 

That is how the starter on my '91 behaved. Slower and slower turning over of engine over time. Replaced the starter and problem solved.

 

I've yet to change one that hasn't been soaked in oil.

Then again, I don't live where there is a rust factor either.

 

Would it be good to clean all the oil off? Would it extend the life of the starter?

.....Scratch the question.... For around 50 bucks, I'll just replace it when it starts to fail

 

Well it sure couldn't hurt anything to clean it and as far as prolonging the life

 

Oh, he knows all about old age, Ken.



Don't we?

 

I replaced my starter a few months ago and it was the original Chrysler starter from 1993. When I took it to AutoZone to get core charge. The guy was freakin out cause he ain't ever seen a starter last that long. Lol

 

Have you seen Ken's avatar? He makes me look downright youthful. LOL.

 

Did you catch the "we" part?

 

Yes.....LOL.

 

What do you mean grasshopper...

 

Check it out.