Replacing starter problem

[TDH]

OK so the starter on my 94 grand Cherokee finally died on me and I am having some trouble getting the new one in. After struggling for hours trying to get the shorter top bolt to go in I finally realized there is a spring of some sort that the bolt is supposed to go through that seemed to be hindering my efforts. After checking it out I managed to drop it in the engine bay and I cant find it. So can anyone tell me how that little spring goes on? Do I put it in the hole in the starter first or do I thread it on the bolt first and then try to screw it in? Also can anyone tell me what the spring is called? It seems like it might be hard to find.

[jeffreyd]

are there threads in the block still? sounds like a helicoil to me. Would be a replacement thread that might use a larger or smaller bolt depending on if that is what it is. the starter should bolt right up flush, did you check the old vs new to make sure the nose was the same length? If you can thread a bolt into the hole with the starter out, you will know that is ok. might be time to get a hanes manual from the parts house. good luck

[Scott K]

What engine is in it?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I agree, the "spring" is the threads that use to hold the bolt tight. You just inherited a barrel of monkeys!

[jeffreyd]

unless he can get a new helicoil to lock in that would be best, if not might be some drilling involved. good luck.