Sorry I wasn't clear, guys; it is indeed the alternator that slipped and let the tension off the belt. I fixed that by re-tightening everything after I pushed it as far to the driver's side as possible. All the idiot lights went away after I did that. By now, I figure that was an unrelated problem that was very easily resolved.

It was after trying to fit my hand up into the workings of the motor from the bottom side last night that I realized that this is probably not a job I can do. I simply couldn't reach the stuff I needed to reach to unhook and unfasten the wiring from the solenoid. Then, in order to remove the starter from the top, I'd have to remove fuel lines from the intake manifold. It wouldn't come out any other way.

This is frustrating to me because I can see the part; I can (almost) touch it, but I can't get a tool on it or disconnect the wires to remove it. And really, I'm not too proud to take it to a mechanic if it needs to be done. What frustrates me most is that I can see and nearly feel the thing, I can tell what needs to be done, but I can't do it.

You could undo the front driveshaft to get more room then it would definately come out the bottom.



Madcat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Have you tried getting at it through the wheel well?

Yep. I've tried every angle I can think of.

It's going to the mechanic tomorrow. And the worst part of all this is that if it ends up being the ring gear, I might have to drop the whole trans to get it taken care of. If that's the case, I might just get rid of this thing because the repairs will end up being nearly equal to the truck's value. It's a shame, too, because in the two years I've owned it, it's gotten new tires, brakes, windshield, head gasket, catback, Herculining, stereo, speakers, etc. I also have new manual hubs, a header, tint, and BJ spacers to put on it.

But my wife doesn't like it, there are a few rust spots starting to show on the gutter and on the bottoms of the inside of the doors, the passenger's side front door sticks because it got tapped on the wheel well and moved some of the sheet metal around, there's no air conditioning, etc.

On the other hand, if the mechanic looks at it and tells me that it's just the starter motor itself, then I'll definitely have him replace it and keep the truck. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

If you have to replace the flywheel, its really not that bad. I am using one of the manuals, and it told me everything I needed to get it out. With no experience taking it apart, it took me 4-5 hours just to get it out. I had one friend help me, although he had never worked on any vehicle before. If you can find someone that has experience with a trooper or has worked on clutches before, I'd bet (with all the right tools) you can get it done in less than 6 hours. Just make sure you have all the right parts, fluids, and you organize the bolts so you know where they go.

Also, depending on how long the clutch has been in there, you can also change that out for a replacement or upgrade while you are at it. Just make sure you have a breaker bar for those bolts that will not come loose with a standard wrench, and also make sure you can take out your exhaust without any problems before hand, if thats in the way. I have the same motor as you, but not the same vehicle. Hopefully they didn't change much.

If the flywheel needs to be replaced, just keep us posted and I'll try to remember some more tips I can give you to make the process less "painful".

If anything the ring gear will just need to be replaced ($80+ from my local dealer, other areas will vary) and the flywheel turned to get rid of any glazing.



Madcat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Excellent news! My truck is fixed for $81.25!!! Pardon me, but: <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Now my wife can't make me get rid of it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, apparently the bolts holding the old starter motor on had backed off some and allowed the gear on the end of the motor (presumably that interacts with the ring gear) to strip itself clean. The new motor is in it now and it's ready to go. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Now I need to install my header, tint, hubs, etc., and get that bad boy out in the mountains. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

I'm glad this worked out well for me becase none of the replacement vehicles I was looking at online were anywhere near as cool as my old Trooper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well deserved <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />


And I'll add 1,


Madcat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I just replaced my flywheel in my Rodeo. It had small cracks in it. Seems like if something is wrong, I usually have to replace it. Its either major or nothing at all. But I am impressed with all the crap my vehicle has been through. Hell, I'm surprised that my engine still runs as good as it always had when my oil got really low and overheated. When I changed my oil and filter, I found out that my old filter had caught a fair amount of tiny metal shavings.

No gas in the oil, not burning any oil, and still gets the same gas mileage. Too bad they don't make them like they use to.

No joke, but thats why I still have it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Madcat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />