So my 1993 XJS 4.0 has been slow cranking (yes I’ve cleaned grounds and such) and makes a bbbvvvvvwwwwwrrrrrrr sound when it starts. That top bolt was a little bit of a pain, thanks to Jaguar engineering smh, but I got it! I did have to pull my trans dip stick, but it came out fairly easily! I noticed first off that there was a decent amount of dirt/rust powder in the gear housing. I started to tear it down, but decided to call the place that rebuilt my alternator first to see what they’d charge. Also debating just getting a new one depending on what they say

 

The shop called and they are going to rebuild it with all new Bosch parts, including a “premium” solenoid and brushes for $124.30. They didn’t have the one part, but will have it there tomorrow. They plan on having the starter complete by tomorrow evening! I just dropped it off at about 2:30pm today!

 

Good work.

I've had much better luck with local rebuilders than buying off-the-shelf rebuilt units

Cheers
DD

 

I got a call at noon saying it was ready! Got it hooked up and running! He said it definitely was making noise and needed rebuilt. All the grease was dried out and the bushings were shot.

 

How tough was it to remove?
I was recently close to have it removed/replaced, because of intermittent no-cranking incidents, however, obvious (and weird) battery issues led me to replace the battery first, after which my starting problems were gone. I was wondering how difficult a job it would've been.

 

On the 4.0, really not that bad. I pulled the dip stick tube, and the upper cross brace. Then I did end up pulling the upper heater core hose too. It's basically one bolt on the bottom facing from the front of the car and one on top (truthfully the worst part of the job) facing to the front of the car. As for the wires, I unhooked the ones from the bulkhead, then I was able to pull the starter forward and reach in and unbolt the hot wires from the solenoid. I probably could have reached back I , but I didn't realize there was a second wire on it lol. Installation in reverse. I did it all from up top.

 

It seems to me that this is one job where a lift would be the best scenario to access the job. That is what I was thinking when I was contemplating its removal. Thank God I didn't have to do it.

 

Honestly the way it came out for me, a lift would have been detrimental. Maybe a foot higher would have helped, but I don't think much more than that.