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Hello all I just changed the starter in my 97 E-150 with the 5.4. I am changing it as the old starter is giving grinding issues.
I put the new starter in and and when I go to start it clicks but does not spin and if I hold the key the ground strap from engine to cowl starts smoking. So the current is trying to go through the strap.
I checked all connections , the positives are clean and tight and the neg cable is clean and tight. I checked from disconnected neg connection to battery and have .09 ohms.
I pulled the new starter out and tested it with a battery and it functions properly. Put it back in and same issue as above.
What is happening here?
I am going to go back out and put old start back in, but please give me your feedback.
I tried one more thing, I put jumper cables from battery to starter before removing and tried again but had same click. I pulled the starter out reconnected the positive cables and reconnected the jumpers to the starter housing. It spins wonderfully!
Something is up with the starter installed. It is identical to the old one.
If the new one spins on the bench,but locks up when installed...I'd guess you got the wrong starter,or there is something wrong with the flywheel.What do the flywheel teeth look like?Why was the old starter "grinding"? Just some thoughts. Rick