81 CJ7 starter and flywheel

[Gwen]

We have been through 4 starters on our CJ7 . It would start fine when we first put the starter in, but on the second crank and any after it would only produce a high-pitch screech...like the bendix wasn't hitting the flywheel. The teeth were ground down some, but there weren't any missing. After the 4th new starter, a new solenoid, new relay and MANY headaches, we found in one of the forums that the flywheel only starts/stops in two places. Upon closer inspection, the teeth were worn more than we thought. We moved the flywheel to where the teeth looked better, replaced the starter and it started right up. So, we've narrowed it down to needing a new flywheel. We are definitely beginner shade tree mechanics. While we know a screwdriver from a pair of pliers, we're not exactly pros at this. Would any of you have a video/pictures/advice that would help us out? We have to get this running soon. Any help is appreciated.
Gwen

 

[CJim7]

It sounds like the issues you were having with the starter destroyed sections of the ring gear on the flywheel..as you have discovered.

You will need to install a new ring gear and the best way to do this is to remove the flywheel from the crank, remove the old ring gear by heating it up with a torch and using impact...you should be able to tap it off.

To install the new ring gear, put it in the oven and get it good and hot. This will expand the gear and allow it to slip onto the flywheel...sometimes with a little persuasion in the form of impact (2x4 and a hand sledge works good...dont directly strike the ring gear with the sledge)

Some people put the flywheel in the freezer, but you are dealing with a large chunk of steel and I have my doubts exactly how much contracting the diameter of the flywheel experiences.

This is not an easy job as you will need to drop the Transmission ...

 

[CJ007]

Weclome! Are you sure you want to do this . It is fairly involved.

I assume you have a manual Transmission but thought I should ask as it will be different. If you can fill out your profile, it helps with more specific input.