Machine gun noise and then battery death

[draco880]

I have a 94 XLT with about 160k on it, which I got used not long ago. Recently I changed the plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter, and cleaned a bunch of the electrical connections and the IAC valve with no-residue spray. After than, it developed a surging problem and a rough idle, which as it turned out was caused by a line coming off the vacuum tree. This was fixed and a short test-drive went fine.
Most recently, after sitting for about 4-5 days, I went to start it and it had electrical power but couldn't turn over all the way. The next time, it seemed like it had less electrical power, and I heard a rapid, machine-gun sounding noise from under the hood. I popped it open and looked: the suspect hose was still connected to the tree, plug wires looked fine, all the electrical connections I could see were plugged in. Last time i tried it nothing happened, and there was no electrical power.
Here's my hypothesis: the positive battery terminal has some pretty serious, visible corrosion. This could prevent the battery from charging, yes? Is there a way for me to check this before replacing the cable? And does anyone have any advice for this repair?
Thanks in advance for any assistance. Great forum, too, btw.

 

[ma96782]

To take on a starting problem (if spark and gas delivery is not suspect):

I'd first start.......by attempting to jump it. IF, it works.........think battery and related cables/connections.

Dis-connect battery.....clean up posts, tray, check cables (also, ground).

Cables can be tested for resistance.....or....IF cables look bad......REPLACE. Corrosion from the inside, is a KNOWN problem w/ the Explorer.

Take battery down to the auto parts place and have it bench tested. If you feel more energetic.....take off the alt. too......have it bench tested, check connections.

IF, you're thinking starter solenoid........or starter.

Starter: You could try tapping it w/ a light hammer. You could also try direct current to the starter to eliminate the solenoid from the equation.

Solenoid: Replace........could DIY re-build, though piece of mind just replace it.

Aloha, Mark

 

[draco880]

Cool, thanks for the advice. The positive battery cable was pretty corroded so I took that out and replaced it. Afterwards the truck started with a jump, but still idled really roughly. Once I switched it off it wouldn't start again, even with a jump. I got the same machine gun sounding noise and then nothing, but while i was jumping it the first time I did notice that one of the spark plug wires is arcing to the air conditioning unit, so I guess new wires are on the agenda as well.
Is it possible the starting problems are due entirely to voltage loss from this arc?
Thanks gain for the help.

 

[Turdle]

Low battery voltage will cause rough idle for sure

Have the battery charged-replaced and give it a go.

 

[l1k2gadd]

Machine gun noise sounds like a starter solenoid clicking rapidly. A bad connection on a battery cable or at the solenoid might cause this to happen as well as a very weak battery.
My daughter's 1966 Mustang has about 75,000 original miles on it. I needed to replace the 40 year old alternator yesterday and at the same time decided to replace the original FoMoCo (60s Ford Motor Company) battery cables and the battery (not original). After replacing all of the parts the original starter solenoid did this to me. I was HOT because I didn't pick one up while I was at Napa.
It wound up being the new POSITIVE cable wasn't tight enough on the solenoid. I gave it a squeeeek of a turn tighter and whoala, the car started.
You might still have a connection problem. Did you clean the connections, battery post and the battery terminals real good?

 

[EMG7895]

Check the solenoid trigger wire on the stater, its a push on style terminal that gets corroded/loose.

 

[draco880]

Okay, I've got the battery charging now and I'll check that it's actually taking a charge tomorrow. In addition to checking the connections, I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to check the main wires for obvious corrosion and the fuses, too. I'll report back on what happens.

 

[draco880]

Replacing the battery cable, charging the battery up, and replacing the spark plug wires seems to have done it! I checked some of the fuses and some of the connections, too, which seemed alright. Thanks to everyone for the help. It'll be really nice not having to squeeze into a Civic anymore.