Starter Mesh Problem

[ItsEddy]

I have recently put in a new starter in my 1994 4.0 Ranger because the old one died. I have used the new one for a couple of days, and now when I start it up it won't disengage. I tried putting in a different starter of the same model and it does the same thing. I have tested the S terminal on the fender and at the starter, it stops sending power like it should when the key is in the run position. I have also bech tested the starter and it is perfect. This is where I think it has something to do with the brand or fitment of the starter, it was fine for a couple of days then I think it shifted too close to the flywheel and now gets too much friction to where it won't pull back. I tried reproducing the placement but it didn't work. The only thing I can find is putting shims or trying to find a manual-specific starter which I do have a manual. Any help is appreciated.

 

[franklin2]

If you are getting rebuilt starters from the store, you will have to go through several till you find a good one. The times we live in. Unless you can find a new one somewhere.

 

[SenorNoob]

On a 94 4.0 the starter is different for manual or automatic. Have the store order in one of each and look at the difference.

Interesting side note: The 4.0 automatic starter is the same as the 2.9. It is just a different type motor. More compact and uses slightly less power I think.

 

[19Walt93]

If it's the right starter you shouldn't have to shim anything. If the counterman didn't ask if it's automatic or manual that would indicate you probably got the wrong one.

 

[ItsEddy]

I have verified and installed multiple different manual starters. I bump-started it and it has no problem so. I am starting to think that maybe its a misaligned flywheel or transmission or something, but I truly have no idea. Maybe there are some other electrical tests that I am missing that only apply when the starter is on the truck.

 

[franklin2]

I have verified and installed multiple different manual starters. I bump-started it and it has no problem so. I am starting to think that maybe its a misaligned flywheel or transmission or something, but I truly have no idea. Maybe there are some other electrical tests that I am missing that only apply when the starter is on the truck.

So the starter is still turning when you let the key off? If that is the case, can you use a jumper cable on the starter cable instead of the starter solenoid. In other words, take the heavy wire off the solenoid and clip it to one end of a heavy jumper cable. Clip the other end of the jumper cable back on to the solenoid connection. If it starts and hangs, what happens if you pull the jumper cable off? Does it still hang or does it drop back and stop?

 

[ItsEddy]

I am happy to say that it is a bad solenoid, but sad to say how long it took me to check it for the second time. I was checking the ignition terminal instead of the one that went down to the starter, thanks for all the help guys

So the starter is still turning when you let the key off? If that is the case, can you use a jumper cable on the starter cable instead of the starter solenoid. In other words, take the heavy wire off the solenoid and clip it to one end of a heavy jumper cable. Clip the other end of the jumper cable back on to the solenoid connection. If it starts and hangs, what happens if you pull the jumper cable off? Does it still hang or does it drop back and stop?