Power failure @ key start

[Turbroke]

I just finished off the last bits on a 2.3t engine swap and went to turn the engine over. First key pos. is fine- lights come on/fuel pump kicks on, then turning to the next position to engage the starter I hear a knock coming from somewhere under the hood on the starter side that sounds like a house breaker shutting down. After that sound there is total power loss, but the power just comes back after a few minutes and disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery without blowing any fuses. I tried twice with the same result. Checked battery terminals and good connection there. Also, checked the starter wiring. The neg- goes from the starter body directly to the neg- battery terminal, and the heavy black wire coming from the solenoid is attached to the other end of the starter. This starter only has two wires. Any ideas guys? I'm so close to trying to start this thing.

 

[Turbroke]

I think I figured it out. If it acts like bad connection; it probably is, and that's exactly what it's acting like.

 

[Turbroke]

Exactly what it was; bad connection @ the pos. + terminal end. Just got over excited for a minute...This has been a long project.

 

[Andy D]

Don't beat yourself up too much. You fixed it without any parts. That is a win in my book.

 

[scotts90ranger]

been there done that , my Ranger has been parked a lot lately and has been building up some hard corrosion on the battery posts and cables and they get the best of me sometimes... What you did to fix it was what I was gonna suggest, at least the positive cable is simple and even if it needs replacing is only like a foot long so super cheap and simple...

 

[Turbroke]

Yeah, I only had to strip it back a little to expose some good wire. It's running like a champ now. I just freaked out because it was the first time I turned the new motor over and was expecting all sorts of mayhem, aggravation and disappointment. To my utter astonishment; all I had to do was set the idle screw. Every once in a great while; even I will get lucky! lol I started this swap/restoration in the middle of November and it's just taken up tons of time and money. It's been fun though, and I learned a bunch.