2.3L ('83-'97) Baffled but I won't give up

[Cravethenight]

New member here. I own two rangers a 1990 and a 91' the 91' is just parts since I blew the motor in it. I'm having some issues with starting the truck. I just replaced the tranny from the 91' to the 90' fits perfect. But now my starter doesn't want to to turn my flywheel. It starts when pushed. I'm thinking the motor mounts are bad Wich is making the motor and tranny sag which is what made my starter chew up. I'm hoping my flywheel isn't toast because that would be the 3rd time I've had to drop this tranny. Please ideas Or help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Blmpkn]

You could take both the motor mounts and the transmission mount out, leaving the motor/tranny literally sitting on the cradle/crossmember and the starter would still function. Mabey the starter you have isn't compatible with the "new" flywheel.

What's it doing anyways? Grinding?

 

[Cravethenight]

Yes it was making a f
Grindibg sound and the. Clicking when trying to start up. I just put a new bigger starter on and i thinj the battery is toast as well. Hopefully it helps. I just need it to work until i can get someplace to put those mounts on.

 

[superj]

Does the starter need to be shimmed? I have had to shim them a time or two to stop grinding. They sell shims at the local parts store, usually on the self help wall

 

[tw205]

You replaced the transmission. Did you replace it with the same transmission?

 

[bobbywalter]

Is the engine gasket in?

Right flywheel?

Is it a direct wire or newer style

 

[Cravethenight]

You replaced the transmission. Did you replace it with the same transmission?

Yes

 

[Cravethenight]

Does the starter need to be shimmed? I have had to shim them a time or two to stop grinding. They sell shims at the local parts store, usually on the self help wall

Haven't thought of that by why would it if its the same tranny and starter?

 

[Cravethenight]

Is the engine gasket in?

Right flywheel?

Is it a direct wire or newer style

The new starter the solenoid is completely enclosed and there is only a screw for positive wire and a hole in the back im guessing for ground/neg

 

[Cravethenight]

You replaced the transmission. Did you replace it with the same transmission?

Yes

 

[superj]

Haven't thought of that by why would it if its the same tranny and starter?

not all starter mount the same distance from the flywheel. and the ring gear is fully seated on the flywheel?

 

[tw205]

I’ve never shimmed a ford starter, and I’ve replaced many of them. But I’ve never fornicated with a fat chick in a mud puddle sooo there’s that. If both trucks were the same Can you give specifics on what engine and trans combination they have/had to give us a better idea of your situation?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Shimming the starter shouldn't be necessary, I have no idea what's going on unless your flywheel is shot... they didn't screw with the starters on manual trans 2.3L's for the most part over the years like they did on the V6's... as long as you have the aluminum spacer plate thing in there you should be fine. Pull the 3 bolts and look at the ring gear, the teeth should be square not rounded, I think I flipped my ring gear last go around... I've used starters from Thunderbirds and Rangers which should be the same (on my '90...) I've been running a Napa unit for a bunch of years... I think the last time I thought it was the starter it ended up being the battery...

 

[Cravethenight]

not all starter mount the same distance from the flywheel. and the ring gear is fully seated on the flywheel?

Not sure I'll have to check but it's been super cold out lol

 

[superj]

i hate when its cold and i have to work on one of the vehicles. that's terrible work