battery cable replaced, horrible sound

[koolaid81]

Alright guys,

I replaced my battery cables this afternoon, both the negative and positive assemblies. I went to start it and heard a horrible rattle after the engine began to run. I am assuming the starter is not pulling back out, but I would like to get everyone's opinion before I pull the starter. Why would it engage but not disengage? Did I screw up something? The rattle sounds like a couple heat shields hitting each other, except A LOT louder. Please help, input appreciated.

Other note, I didn't remove the starter the first time around, what does that small pigtail do? I put it back on it's spade, at least I think I did... can't see it

-Martin

 

[koolaid81]

so I checked the starter, everything fine... when I disconnect the alternator from the circuit(pull the plug on top) the noise is gone, so why the heck is my alternator making a horrible sound?

 

[fixxxer]

There's a miswired connection somewhere, isolating the alternator electrically like you did should not make the alternator stop making a mechanical noise. Double check your wiring to the starter relay on the fenderwell and the solenoid on the starter itself. It sounds like the solenoid on the starter motor is staying hot all the time or the solenoid plunger is sticking in the engaged position.
1993 Explorer-Starter-Testing

 

[Tbars4]

...Thread merge please...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244718

 

[fixxxer]

Part 2

 

[koolaid81]

Just got back from Auto Zone, the alternator is perfect. Fixxer, do you think this noise I am getting is still the starter? I checked the starter, everything seemed to check out fine... The noise is so loud I can't pinpoint the source of the noise but as I say when I disconnect the voltage regulator on top of the alternator, the noise stops. Also, the volt meter on the car reads discharge, even with the alternator connected. I am worried I may have broken a wire on the harness when I was pulling the battery cables... can't see anything obvious though.

-Martin

 

[koolaid81]

also, sorry for the newb questions... but how do I thread merge... sorry about the double post, didn't really know where to put this.

 

[Tbars4]

..Those are tags I put up for the moderators to see...They will either merge or delete as needed...They just need to see one of them, then go check the other, decide which, and then proceed...

...It's a lot of work for the Moderators to keep up with...But they will take care of it..:biggthump

 

[koolaid81]

Fixed!

Well just came back in quick to let you guys know I fixed it. Turns out I hooked the alternator up to the starter relay on the wrong post.... DUH!! sometimes it take a sandwich and a coke to figure things out. Well, battery cable replace job in 7 hours awe well it will be A LOT faster next time.

Thanks for all the input!

-Martin

 

[Tbars4]

...I'm glad to hear you got it fixed and, that you already have had bench tested the alternator to find out it is ok, after this little mis-adventure...