2003 Liberty 2.4L - Is it possible I have the wrong starter? (SOLVED)

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psyon

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I used a contour gauge to get a better masurement of the ****** to flywheel distance. Came out to 10mm. That looks like it would allow enough bite on the starter. Went to a diff AZ location, and they are getting me a third starter to compare to and try.

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psyon

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No you did not get it, I meant, go to a real parts store and just ask to see one to compare

Then no, there are not real stores. When I replaced it back in June the first time, every place I called had to order it in. I have AutoZone, Advanced Auto, O'reileys, and Napa.
 

tommudd

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First three I will not go to
Years ago everytime I tried to go patronize those new parts stores I never got what I wanted
They are good to walk in and buy wax maybe but not serious parts or spark plugs even
So you do have a NAPA , but post you have no real stores ? Mmmmmmmm I see the problem
 

jeepop

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Hey Pyson,

I will help translate. There are like 2 universals I hear over and over on car and boat forums: 1- fram filters are **** 2- autozone is the auto parts store equivalent to fram filters.

I have gotten plenty from autozone. However, I have had to use their warranty for one of their duralast alternators, so some of what is stated is true with my experience. Other parts I have gotten from them have been great.

Napa seems to be the higher end parts store, which is why their parts also cost a little more.
 

psyon

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So you do have a NAPA , but post you have no real stores ? Mmmmmmmm I see the problem
I was going by your statement that I should as to see one to compare. None of the part stores have starters for my car in stock, and all have to order them in. So if by real parts store you mean one that has anything I need on hand so I can look at it, then no, I don't have "real" auto parts stores.
 

tommudd

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I was going by your statement that I should as to see one to compare. None of the part stores have starters for my car in stock, and all have to order them in. So if by real parts store you mean one that has anything I need on hand so I can look at it, then no, I don't have "real" auto parts stores.
No, I meant a parts store like NAPA, no matter if they have it in stock or not
order one, compare , return , simple as punch
A real parts store is not one of the Zones or O;riellys
"Real" has nothing to do with what they have in stock
Plus most warrantys are worthless in my world, not a selling point at all
Case in point, buddy went cheap on a radiator for his KJ, bought at a Zone.
Had lifetime warranty , after 11 in less than a year and a half he gave up and bought Mopar and was done
So yes lifetime did replace the radiator, but not his time in changing them out, replacing gallons of HOAT antifreeze over that time etc
 

psyon

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Plus most warrantys are worthless in my world, not a selling point at all

It's a selling point for me just for the current starter. I am pinching pennies right now, so I am hesitent to shell out money for a starter from another store, only to have it not be the problem. I have not had good experiences returning car parts in the past. Maybe the mileage varies in different areas. Places are more than willing to let me exchange it for a replacement, but not get my money back because it didn't fix the problem.
 

tommudd

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Every one of us has to pinch pennies , I work part time plus I get a state retirement but sure does not in any shape or form pays for my addictions ( Jeep parts )
So that is why I still do work on various vehicles on the side, so completely know what you mean
One reason I go into any NAPA near where I move and strike up a friendship with them
Then whenever I need something they help me out like comparing parts etc
Also a dozen doughnuts every now and again helps as well
But stop into one tell them what your issue is and they may help you out
 

psyon

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When I went to pick up the third starter today, the girl working noticed something odd about the part numbers. When she looked up the 2003 2.4L liberty, it listed a 17839 for the standard, but DLG17882 for the gold. She said the gold part number is always the same as the standard, but with DLG on the front. She ended up pulling up the info for the 17882, and it said it was compatible with 2002-2006, but the 17839 was only for 2002-2003 for some reason. They did have the 17882 on hand, so we gave it a shot, and my jeep starts fine now. There are very slight differences in the casting, but nothing that I would think would make a difference. So, at this point I don't know if it was that it was the wrong starter, or a bad batch of the 17839 or something.
 

DadOSix

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When I went to pick up the third starter today, the girl working noticed something odd about the part numbers. When she looked up the 2003 2.4L liberty, it listed a 17839 for the standard, but DLG17882 for the gold. She said the gold part number is always the same as the standard, but with DLG on the front. She ended up pulling up the info for the 17882, and it said it was compatible with 2002-2006, but the 17839 was only for 2002-2003 for some reason. They did have the 17882 on hand, so we gave it a shot, and my jeep starts fine now. There are very slight differences in the casting, but nothing that I would think would make a difference. So, at this point I don't know if it was that it was the wrong starter, or a bad batch of the 17839 or something.
Glad you finally got it sorted!
 

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