86 Ranger wont start

[nklep]

I've replaced the starter, the solenoid, and the battery. Just about every time i changed one of those the truck would start just fine for a few times, then it just wines on key turn with no crank.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Do you have a V6 or 4cyl in your 1986 Ranger?

The V6, 2.9l, starters did have issue with starter gears not meshing with Ring gear so starter works but grinds and can't turn engine over
Is that what you think is happening?

If there is no "grinding" noise but starter motor sounds like its spinning, then the new starter's Bendix drive is not working

When a starter motor is activated the Bendix drive pushes out the starter gear to engage the ring gear on flywheel
That would cause a grinding noise if gear was pushed out but just didn't line up/mesh with ring gear
But if the Bendix wasn't working then you would just hear the starter motor spinning and no grinding noise

Ford doesn't use a "bendix" in 1986 it used a solenoid instead, but easier to explain bendix drive, lol
Your 1986 starter should look like this: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TXcjwNd8L._AC_SY355_.jpg

The hump on the top is the solenoid, it has an arm/lever on the starter gear, when starter gets 12volts, so does the solenoid it then pushes starter gear out to mesh with ring gear
So if you don't hear grinding then solenoid is not working

 

[nklep]

Its the 2.9 v6 and yes sometimes there is a grinding when trying to start other times it just sounds like an electrical whine. Yes thats the starter i just put on it on wednesday

 

[RonD]

Take it back and get another one

 

[Blmpkn]

Try and get a Motorcraft one if available.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

The new aftermarket starters should have a tag on the side showing a bolt. These starters "MUST" use a shouldered bolt. The holes are larger than the factory size. Had one last 2 weeks and I thought it went out. I guess I should of read the little sticker on the side!! Replaced bolts and doing great.

 

[nklep]

The new aftermarket starters should have a tag on the side showing a bolt. These starters "MUST" use a shouldered bolt. The holes are larger than the factory size. Had one last 2 weeks and I thought it went out. I guess I should of read the little sticker on the side!! Replaced bolts and doing great.

I dont recall seeing a sticker like that on mine which bolts did you have to replace?

 

[2 bronco 11s]

The 2 that bolt the starter to the Tranny. I got them from a bolt store called EBN. My Grandson sons did the exact same thing.