Screeching sound when starting

[Sokoji]

So I just got my first Ford, a 83 ranger with the 2.3 and I'm having a problem when I start it. That being, when the engine is being turned over by the starter, there is a very loud screeching sound. I Thought it may have to do with the starter so I replaced it with another one from the junkyard and it does the same thing. I also checked the flywheel teeth and starter gear and they look good. It makes the sound every time so far and it doesn't seem to matter if the engine is hot or cold and it goes away when you disengage the starter.

Anyone have anymore ideas where I should look ?

 

[Mark_88]

You could try removing the alternator fan belt before you start it to see if it is the alternator...

Mine has been screeching for quite a while and usually only happens on start up.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I`m thinking kinna in the same direction but look for glazing ont the belt/s, maybe a idler pully or bearing going bad or even just a loose belt.

 

[Sokoji]

So I took off the accessory belt and gave it a try and it it's still there. It's so loud I had to wear hearing pro when I was doing the compression check.

 

[killj0y]

jeez man if it screeches while idling then it has to be a belt or a running component. Could you try running very shortly removing one belt at a time till you narrow it down? That's what I would try. Or maybe hose items down with Wd-40 till one quieted down a little, that would point me in the right direction. Or take all the belts off and spin all the pullys and tensioners by hand. If its that bad you should hear something when trying by hand or at least feel them "loose" or outright near breaking.

 

[Sokoji]

Oh, sorry, what I meant to say in my first post is that its not at idle at all, just while the engine is being turned over. Which would make me think its something to do with the starter but I already changed it out and checked to make sure it wasn't wearing down the teeth on flywheel.

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

alternate start up mode

Don't use the starter to start it and see if sound is still there.

In other words....roll the truck and pop the clutch and start it that way (without the starter).

If you have a stick that is.

 

[Insanejughead]

Block wheels, set the brake, put in neutral, and then turn the crankshaft bolt.

Rotate it a few times, and see if the noise manifests with the slow cranking.


I'll be glad to know when you get this figured out, because I'm somewhat stumped on what it could be; except for the starter, but you've replaced it...

I wonder if it's time for a disassembly of the starters and a bushing check.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Is there different starters for auto/manual for this motor?

Richard

 

[Sokoji]

Don't know if there is a difference but the starter I pulled out the junkyard was off a manual 2wd. I'm hoping the 2wd and 4wd are the same. The starter that came with the truck was a newer reman from napa, so I figure the sound has been around for a bit and the PO was trying to fix it.

Thanks for all the ideas ill give them a try and yes it's a manual.

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

Block wheels, set the brake, put in neutral, and then turn the crankshaft bolt.

Rotate it a few times, and see if the noise manifests with the slow cranking.

That is a good idea.

Yes would make you think something is moving or flexing (perhaps rubbing) and causing the noise for brief couple seconds. Interesting.

 

[Sokoji]

So I turned the engine over by hand with it in neutral and while it was in gear(I disconnected the battery) and I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary.

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

Any updates to this mystery??

Don't leave us hangin!!

 

[rich060685]

I am having this same issue with my '98. Been tryin to figure it out for a while now xD

 

[Sokoji]

So I think I have found the problem after reading a lot of different forums, that being that the starter needs to be shimmed. I didn't know that ford starters had shims but they they do sell them in the auto parts stores. So today I picked one up and put it in, it wasn't exactly a stock fit but seems to have done the trick at least part way. It is still louder than I think it should be but, its a definite improvement. I think I'll try getting another one tomorrow and try stacking them and see if it gets even better.