Starter problems

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Feb 10, 2006 | 04:35 PM

FLgargoyle

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,988

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From: Travelers Rest SC

Starter problems

My old '86 2.3 has been eating a lot of starters. I bought a cheapie at an auto parts store, with the 'lifetime' warrantee, and they keep burning out. I also replaced the solenoid and battery cables. Yesterday, I bought a starter from NAPA, and it seems much stronger. Hopefully, this is the end of my problems. Did I miss anything?

Feb 10, 2006 | 05:30 PM

ranger88a

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Joined: Feb 2004

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Do you mean they won't engage or spin? You may need to check the flywheel. I do have problems with the cheap starters They usually only clean the armatures and not replace them.

Feb 10, 2006 | 06:58 PM

FLgargoyle

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,988

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From: Travelers Rest SC

It sounds like it isn't fully engaged, or doesn't stay fully engaged. When the engine's warm, it's pretty good, when it's cold, I sometimes thought it wasn't going to make it. As I said, the NAPA starter seems OK, so far. I also had the battery tested. This is a tired 2.3 with 200K on it; I could probably pull start it with a rope!

Feb 27, 2006 | 05:54 PM

FLgargoyle

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,988

Likes: 14

From: Travelers Rest SC

Well, the NAPA starter was fine for 2 weeks, one of which I was out of town, not driving the truck. Now, it just barely starts it, with a lot of horrible grinding noise. I've slowly turned the engine to look at the flywheel through the starter hole, and it looks surprisingly good. I can't figure out why the starters work perfectly for a short while, then develop problems. My old Ranger has so many issues, that this is probably the end of the line for now. I gotta get to work every day!

Mar 4, 2006 | 03:59 PM

FLgargoyle

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,988

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From: Travelers Rest SC

This is the last of the story. The NAPA starter failed big time, and I bought another cheap truck to get around in. Today I put in a starter from a 300 six (it bolts right in?!) and it started right up! I figure it won't last, and I've already replaced the truck, so my old Ranger's gotta go before the city gets on me about an un-registered vehicle. One of you expressed interest; if not, it will go in the classifieds cheap.

Apr 12, 2006 | 01:43 PM

JESSE J

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Joined: Apr 2006

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I have the same problem in my 84 ranger . everythings is new i eaven replaced my engine the onily thing i have not replaced was my tranny. i have gone thrugh about 8 nappa starters and two flyweels . and a few batterys the onily thing i have gottin back from it was a mygrain pleas help

Apr 12, 2006 | 02:02 PM

fordboy_52

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 6,461

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From: Abilene Kansas

sounds like its time for a new ring gear on ur flywheel. its easy to do once u have the flywheel off.

please dont sell anything here. pm each other

Matt