86 rang needs starter help.

[theemoeskimo]

so i just got an 86 ranger today. i guess the started went bad and i need to bridge two posts on the Starter to start it. i have no idea what im doing and can't even find the starter tho. i got a hayes manual but it doesnt really show where its at. so i need to replace starter/ learn how to bridge it for now. the exhaust manifold out the right side is broke. ive got to get the passenger floor board replaced cause its all rot. and ive got to go bondo the hell out of the body. cause wv requires inspection and there can be no thru rust... i am very novice so any advice would be greatly appreciated

[RobbieD]

Follow the battery's thick (+) Positive wire (usually, not always, red colored). It will go to a round-looking thing. The round thing is the starter solenoid. It has two thick cables, one on each side, and a small wire in the middle that you can pull, and it unplugs. Take some pliers and touch one jaw to the solenoid's bolt holding thick cable that you followed, and touch the other jaw to the terminal that the little wire unplugged from. The starter will engage as soon as you short the two points together. Be careful as hell, and don't let the pliers touch anything else.

[beyonder]

If you were able to start the truck be bridging the 2 points on the solenoid, I'd take a good look at the solenoid before playing with the starter.

[RobbieD]

Good point. Yes, if the starter works when you jump the solenoid, look at the solenoid, not the starter.

[MAKG]

Crank the engine.

Find the voltage drop in the starting circuit.

That's where the fault is.

The relay (it is NOT a solenoid on a Ford) and starter are not the only variables.

[beyonder]

Crank the engine.

Find the voltage drop in the starting circuit.

That's where the fault is.

The relay (it is NOT a solenoid on a Ford) and starter are not the only variables.

Same difference, they still knew what I meant.

[beyonder]

JusT a thaught here, but how many posts are on the solenoid on your truck? 3 or 4? if you have a 4 post solenoid check whether the middle wire is connected to the top or the bottom. it should be on the bottom I believe.

[RobbieD]

Same difference, they still knew what I meant.

Aww, don't beat yourself up, beyonder; I called it a solenoid first, and technically MAKG's right. A lot of us old shade-tree guys call the starter relay on a Ford a solenoid, and I think that your point is very well made; it is understandable to a poor guy needing some help.

[robo]

check the battery cables at the battery if they are swollen the most probable case is internal cable corrosion. common problem. replace terminals and cut wires back to find corrosion free cable.