2 different problems that i cant figure out

[satsuperman]

I have a '94 sport 4x4 that has about 143K on it and no mods other than flowmaster exhaust and K&N filters.

problem 1. when starting (maybe once a every 75 times) i get nothing but a turning starter. I have checked every connection from the battery to the ingnition and all are getting voltage and have good clean contacts. Tonight for the first time it took about 7 tries to get it to turn over. While checking under the hood, out of no where, there was life and fan enguaged and it was like to motor got power again. Has anyone ever heard of this problem? My guess was maybe the power distribution block (positive side) which I have completely dissasembled, cleaned, checked and reinstalled before but since it has done it again now....who knows.

problem 2. while in 4wd I hear a banging noise occassionally (front driver side). nothing constant and has nothing to do with any turning or acceleration or stopping. Last year I had what seemed to be abnormal clatter while going in and out of 4wd so I had it inspected and was told the bearings were a bit overworn. Since I am a bit lazy, I finally got around to changing them a couple months ago. At that time I inspeced the auto locking hubs and cleaned and greased them as well. Today I jacked up the front end and with the 4wd engaged, it seems the 4wd does not stay constantly engaged on the same side the sound is coming from. I have began to think there is a problem with the auto locking hub on that side, so I have been leaning towards converting to manual hubs. Does this sound to be the possible culprit of the problem I am getting or am I way off? If I am right, where is a place to get a cheap set of locking hubs? This one is my beat up work vehicle so I go as cheap as possible with it. I have a 97 sport that is my baby and gets the best possible care so I always go cheap with the "red headed step child"

 

[Bronco638]

Problem 1 sounds like a starter solenoid. The starter is spinning but not engaging the ring gear. The solenoid forces the starter gear to engage the ring gear. Next time it happens, try tapping the starter with a hammer. If it engages, the solenoid sounds like it's going. I don't know if you can replace just the solenoid or if the whole starter has to be replaced.

Problem 2 sounds like u-joints in the front driveshafts or too much grease in the hubs. I have a second Gen. Explorer and am not real familiar with the front 4WD system on the first Gens. I sure that someone else with more knowledge will chime in.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Auto hubs on first gens should not be greased. To much will cause them not to engage. Coating of tranny fluid is the suggested lube I believe. If the hub is starting to go (especially if you still have original), I would suggest converting to manual. Warn/Milemarker make them. Get them for ~$200 for pair (along with a seperate conversion kit) at autoparts stores. Check the FAQ's page, or the Singleton thread for parts/replacement info.

 

[MrShorty]

I have a '94 sport 4x4 that has about 143K on it and no mods other than flowmaster exhaust and K&N filters.

problem 1. when starting (maybe once a every 75 times) i get nothing but a turning starter. I have checked every connection from the battery to the ingnition and all are getting voltage and have good clean contacts. Tonight for the first time it took about 7 tries to get it to turn over. While checking under the hood, out of no where, there was life and fan enguaged and it was like to motor got power again. Has anyone ever heard of this problem?

You list only two mods, then imply that you have an electric fan, is that right? Stock fan was mechanical. If you have an electric fan, and there seems to be a connection with operation of the fan and the engine starting, you might check the wiring to that fan. Perhaps there's a wiring fault there that is not only preventing the fan from coming on, but also preventing the engine from starting.

If I've misunderstood and you still have the stock mechanical fan, then disregard.

 

[satsuperman]

thanks for the replies

when i installed the new bearings i greased the hell out of the auto locking hubs figuring that would cut down on wear. I will pull them and clean them up the try just a little tranny fluid. should i run them through a parts washer or just a little brake cleaner?

on the ignition power, i think i wasnt clear enough. I am not getting power to anything to the motor at all, not the ignition, electric fan, anything. but after a few attempts power will restore and motor will turn over properly. Like I said, it only happen at ever 75 times i start it. The starter works and is engaging because the motor turns but thats it because there is no power to any of the ignition or computer systems