Weak starter?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Weak starter?
My '86 2.3 Ranger turns over very slowly sometimes- but only the first compression stroke, as if it's hard to turn and then suddenly frees up. I don't think it's too much compression w/ 185K miles on it! It doesn't do it all the time, and usually not when the engine is warmed up. I'm in FL, so we don't get real cold nights. Do you think the starter may have a dead spot in it?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: Northern Maine
You are describing a dragging starter. I would begin by checking all of the connections, making sure they are clean and tight. Then I would have a load test put on the battery. If all of that checks out OK, then I would consider the starter itself. An easy check would be to turn on your headlights and have a helper watch them while you start the truck. The lights should not dim very much or for very long. If they do, I would suspect the starter (bad armature). If the armature is bad enough, the lights can almost go out. With 185000 miles on an 86 four cylinder, I dont think that compression would be much of a factor. Good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Dan Robertson
Because the "head light test" doesnt cost anything.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Having a starter checked is free, if you don't count having to pull it out and drive down there. I'll check the connections this weekend; maybe have the battery checked, and do the headlight test. Then maybe I'll pull the starter. Thanx for the input.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
I finally replaced the starter- it was still working, but getting worse and worse. I also replaced the battery cables, and the cable from the solenoid to the starter. That cable in particular was very bad. Works like a champ now!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JoeKramer
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
May 7, 2011 03:10 PM
jdhudall
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
4
Apr 22, 2009 12:48 AM
mongo75
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
3
May 6, 2008 08:28 PM
airharley
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
11
Aug 19, 2003 09:42 AM
