New Transmission, New Clutch, New M/S Cyls, won't drive, Oh my!

[lithicman]

Greetings folks - Newbie/lurker here. I've learned an enormous amount on this forum, and I thank you for sharing your collective wisdom. I hope that I can learn even more with this particular issue.

1994 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4cyl - Replaced transmission (with a rebuilt one-M5OD), master cyl, slave cyl, clutch (pressure plate, clutch plate), pilot bearing and had flywheel machined. I also replaced the starter motor/solenoid. Bench bled master, then gravity bled master/slave after install, putting approximately 2.5 reservoirs full of fluid through the system (never letting reservoir run dry). Good clutch pedal pressure. This project took far longer than anticipated, so the battery was a little low (approx 11v) and it started without issue.

I took it for a test drive last night. I was going to take an approx 2 mile loop around the neighborhood. Everything seemed ok (at least in my mind the following are likely typical following such a job:
1. clutch engaged very close to floor;
2. There may have been a slight odor;
3. It was challenging at times to get the truck into gear

The following I am not sure are likely:
1. There was a whirring noise from the clutch area;
2. I am not sure if the car was ever-so-slightly pulling with clutch depressed and in gear).

After 1.5 miles, I made a right at a stop light, accelerated and after 2 blocks it felt (as I recall) like the truck was stalling. It remained in gear and I was rolling sluggishly. I pushed in the clutch, turned the key to start, and it would not start. I then got it into gear (3rd?) and tried to start by releasing the clutch, and it would not start (I was moving very slowly by then). I pulled to the side of the road, and tried starting it several times. There was that whirring noise, and I also heard the starter spinning. The truck would not start.

Dejected, I walked home and began a long vigil of pondering.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[4x4junkie]

Welcome to TRS.

I'm not sure on the whirring noise you described... is this a noise occurring only while the engine running? Or is it when you turn the key to try to start the engine?

If the latter, it sounds like maybe the starter is not engaging the flywheel properly.

You would be correct to assume that the clutch pedal being a little low at first is normal. It should come back up after a couple drives.

 

[jeremysdad]

Starter loose. Tighten Starter bolts. Could also be worn ring gear teeth...hope not.

Bleed clutch hydraulics more. Air in lines if pedal doesn't come up per what he ^^^said.

 

[lithicman]

Thanks for your input folks! Very helpful. On another forum, someone suggested a slipped timing belt. I neglected to mention in my OP that an experienced friend helped me replace the timing belt, in addition to the other repairs. Sure enough, the belt did slip - as did something in my back, so I have not yet been able to re-do the belt. I hope that's it!

Thanks again,
Tim

 

[lithicman]

Redid Timing Belt, still slipping

So we re-did the new timing belt (and tensioner), made certain that all slack in the belt was gone, and everything lined up perfectly. Made sure that the tensioner and pivot bolt were tightened to specs, and I took it out on test drive. Sure enough, she slipped again. I am at a total loss here folks. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!