2.3L ('83-'97) 1991 2.3 Ranger

[Daxter69]

So i'm fixing a buddy's 91 Ranger and I have replace starter, flywheel, clutch, slave cylinder, ignition cylinder, starter solenoid and the ignition switch. when I start it, the starter and flywheel grind. What else could be causing it? my buddy finally told me that is why he wanted the flywheel and clutch replaced. it sat for a long while and wasn't started very much. I've chased everything that i could wires and everything.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's not too common of an issue on the 2.3L, to happen with two flywheels and starters that sure eliminates a few things...

Did it still have the aluminum plate between the engine and transmission when you got to it? I've heard not using those can be an issue...

 

[Daxter69]

That's not too common of an issue on the 2.3L, to happen with two flywheels and starters that sure eliminates a few things...

Did it still have the aluminum plate between the engine and transmission when you got to it? I've heard not using those can be an issue...

yeah everything went back exactly like it was supposed to.

I just went back and started digging in back into it and found a spot where the wiring harness has a split or rubbed a whole into it under the dash so tomorrow I'm going to go back and find the exact spot and just solder it back together and heat shrink it.

 

[SenorNoob]

Unless the starter is staying engaged, I can't see how wiring can cause grinding.

It HAS to be a physical problem. Either wrong parts or something misaligned.

 

[sgtsandman]

Didn't some engines need shims on the starter for clearance?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Didn't some engines need shims on the starter for clearance?

Chevy, GM, Pontiac come to mind. Not Ford that I've run into.

 

[Shran]

You can get shims for Ford starters but I think rarely do they ever help. I think you are dealing with a defective starter (more likely) or a defective flywheel (a lot less likely.)