starter problems....

[DV8]

i'm looking into buying a 2nd explorer to add to my collection, but it has an issue. it keeps frying starters. literally smoking them. they usually last about a month before they burn up... any ideas? its a 93 xlt :exp:

 

[screamintrashcan]

I have a little experience on this prob, may or may not relate to your issue. Heat kills, whether it be an exhaust leak, or aftermarket exhaust too close to the starter, OR, a corroded crimp on either end of the battery cables, leading from the batt, solonoid relay, or most suspect, the starter end. there is also that disgusting connection which eats itself apart that is exposed on the starter, looks like a bonding wire, a braided little salt loving thing. If you're getting low power to any electric motor, they will tear themselves up. one question to ask yourself, does the starter speed sound normal when you have a 'good one' installed? My most recent issue was with the crimped wire end on the starter side of the main power lead, and it is a hateful devil to replace the end. Hope this helps!! Good luck. PS the starter you're looking for runs $10 - 20 on ebay...

 

[Anime]

Might be a good deal if that issue makes for a low price.

You can probably resolve it with new battery cables, possibly a new solenoid, and maybe even a new battery (or a new battery for your current ride so you can put the battery in this one).

Starters tend to fry from excessive amps, either from a bad battery, a short somewhere, voltage drop, etc. At the very least taking the cables out will show you if there's a short somewhere or maybe point to another issue. There are plenty of places for the starter cable to rub, and on an old vehicle, the factory ssplit loom is falling apart, leaving the cable sheath as it's only protection. Once that contacts a surface, it's just a matter of time before friction rubs through it.

A new starter might be in order too, but those ones on ebay likely aren't any better than any other junky one. They are pretty easy to repair with a new brush assembly, so original Motocraft starters aren't a bad idea.

 

[llamaking122]

also if at al possible take it too a good electrical shop and have them rebuild it.