I have a 2.9L 1987 Ranger 4WD. I started getting a grinding noise every once in a while when I turned the ignition. It would do it once then it would start. When the weather turned cold it wouldn't start at all so I finally put a new starter on it. This new starter made a high pitched grinding noise when the engine turned and then started. It did it a few times and then just quit starting and it just made the high pitched grinding noise. I took the starter back and they tested and said there was nothing wrong with it and said there could be a shim on it causing the problem and to take it off. There was no shim so I went and put the starter back on making sure it was perfectly flush and bolted on right. It still makes the high pitched grinding but it starts. I know after a few more turns it won't start. My gut is that this is still a bad starter, I've been steered wrong by this store before. I guess the only other option is cracked teeth in the flywheel. Is there anything else that could be causing this problem?

 

Make sure you have the right starter for a manual or auto (I dont know what yours is) but it will grind if its not right.

 

It's a manual transmission. They didn't ask which it was, I didn't realize there are different starters for manual or automatic.

 

Yup, been there. Id take it back and ask for a manual starter.

 

They told they didn't know of any difference between a manual and an automatic starter so I got my money back and got one at a junkyard. It worked fine for a few days then I got the grinding noise for a couple of starts and then all it did was spin the starter like it wasn't even touching the flywheel. Any ideas on what else could be causing this problem?

 

It sounds like the flywheel. Take a look next time and look for any tooth damage on the flywheel.

 

I've taken the starter on and off several times and checked the flywheel each time and didn't see any broken teeth, although I guess I can't fully inspect it without taking it off, but I'm trying to avoid that if possible. What about the shims for ford starters they have in help sections of auto parts stores, what are they for?

 

I had an 85 2.9L that did the same thing as yours (grind on start). The flywheel had broken around the bolt holes and bent up a little away from the starter. Had to replace the flywheel.

 

After further inspection, it turns out I think it is the flywheel. I found about four teeth chipped on the end of the teeth. What's the easiest way to get the flywheel out? It almost seems like it would be easier to take the engine out than a manual transmission on a 4WD, but I don't know I haven't done either one. I would appreciate any advice from anybody that has replaced a flywheel before. Thanks.

 

I think I'd almost take the transmission out before the engine. That exhaust is probably rusted up real good, and you really wouldn't want to risk breaking an exhaust manifold bolt off in the cylinder head.

I did take the engine out of a 1986 Bronco 2... it was not fun.

 

did you ever get the starting problem fixed? I seem to be having the same problem.... but mine isnt starting..... the flywheel looks good.......i have brand new battery, soleniod, positive and ground cables, and a new starter..... any ideas for me?

 

Might want to start a new thread on the subject. The last time this one was updated was about 2 years ago.

Be sure to give out some details as well, One quick and dirty test would be to use a screw driver to 'short' the start terminal with the battery terminal on the solenoid. (do this with the KEY OFF!!!) If all the sudden the starter comes to life? The fault could lie in the neutral safety switch, or the ignition switch...

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