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I'm looking at an 87 Ranger (2.9 V-6 4x4) in good shape - except it makes an unhappy noise at startup. When the starter is engaged, there is a high-pitched squeal while it’s turning over. The engine fires up great; it is just that noise, which only lasts a second. The current owner said that it was making the noise when he bought it (only a few months ago - he's selling it because he found a good deal on a newer Ranger) and replaced the starter - only it did not fix the problem. While I'm hoping it’s just a matter of adjusting/shimming the starter, I'm worried some damage may have been done to the flywheel. I got a quote from a Ford dealer for $600 on replacing the flywheel - which I can't afford. I'm an intermediate mechanic (I've worked a lot on marine diesels, but not too much on gasoline engines) and was wondering what is involved in replacing the flywheel - if it turns out it needs to be replaced. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Does this have a transmission or is it an automatic? Dont know if this is true or not, but i've heard that there are different starters for the 2.9, one has 9 teeth the other has 10 on the starter gear depending on the transmission. This "might" be as simple as putting the correct starter on it. Try calling your "friendly neighborhood Ford dealer" & see if they list 2 starters. And let us know what you find out.