Starter trouble...

[PNWEx]

94 Ford Explorer 4x4 vin x

Came out the morning to go to work, when I turned the truck over it made a whirring noise. I couldnt believe it. I changed out the starter for a remanned Motorcraft 10 months ago. But I removed the starter and did a bench test and the wheel spun but did not engageI got a solenoid, preformed the bench test again with same results. So, said screw it ill replace the whole thing, all of the part stores are trying to sell me a stater with a wire with like a crimp fitting on the power post that is soldered to the solenoid. My OEM hust has a prong for like a connector. Anyone see this before? Should i just cut the connector and strip the wire and make a new crimp connection?

Also any ideas why my starter only lasted 10 months?

Thanks in advance

 

[mountaineer2004]

Also any ideas why my starter only lasted 10 months?

Can you return it within warranty (24 months) for a new motorcraft starter? Don't know why it went so soon, maybe you got a lemon.

 

[wollimann]

For my opinion a remanufactured starter should last 5 years, but it depends of
the quality of changed parts
what was changed
did the company test the starter
I am not a friend of rem. parts, had enough trouble with rem. alternators and so on.

Motorcraft starter has a connector for the plug, sometimes there is corrosion
and the wire lost its contact.

Rem. starter with additional wire, i think such a wire is for crimping and shrink.
Maybe this is a more durable connection?

 

[410Fortune]

The key here is remanufactured
It’s not longer a motorcraft starter, it is a reman

Reman alternators, starters, I won’t buy or install
Always buy new
Reman parts last months not years

Yes the connector changes types, you are gonna have to change the wiring connector to match whatever starter you install, they will not all be the same as the factory connection on the little wire. I prefer the ring style terminal that bolts on, for obvious reasons

 

[PNWEx]

The key here is remanufactured
It’s not longer a motorcraft starter, it is a reman

Reman alternators, starters, I won’t buy or install
Always buy new
Reman parts last months not years

Yes the connector changes types, you are gonna have to change the wiring connector to match whatever starter you install, they will not all be the same as the factory connection on the little wire. I prefer the ring style terminal that bolts on, for obvious reasons

So you would go with a new aftermarket and just change the exsisting connector on the truck?

 

[410Fortune]

Bingo
And that’s exactly what I have done 100
Times yes

There is a reason dudes on here won’t install remans anymore it’s not just because we like to spend more money, it’s because the remanufacture process is a joke anymore and if you are a shop installing these for yourself or customers you will soon find out spend a little more now is actually cheaper then several revisits

They have these parts figured out so the reman will last just as long as the warranty

 

[PNWEx]

Bingo
And that’s exactly what I have done 100
Times yes

There is a reason dudes on here won’t install remans anymore it’s not just because we like to spend more money, it’s because the remanufacture process is a joke anymore and if you are a shop installing these for yourself or customers you will soon find out spend a little more now is actually cheaper then several revisits

They have these parts figured out so the reman will last just as long as the warranty

Any brand you suggest?

 

[410Fortune]

Bosch or motorcraft let me check rockauto for you

Bosch brand new $113 plus shipping

1994 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6 Starter Motor | Shop Now at RockAuto

Electrical Parts and More for Your 1994 FORD EXPLORER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

I have 5% discount code

283357669246602220

Good through 11/29
That starter will last 250k miles like a
Good starter should

Also be sure to check your flexplate for cracks around the hub, the older trucks are prone to failure there can seem like a starter issue but it’s much worse

 

[PNWEx]

Bosch or motorcraft let me check rockauto for you

Bosch brand new $113 plus shipping

1994 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6 Starter Motor | Shop Now at RockAuto

Electrical Parts and More for Your 1994 FORD EXPLORER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

I have 5% discount code

283357669246602220

Good through 11/29
That starter will last 250k miles like a
Good starter should

Also be sure to check your flexplate for cracks around the hub, the older trucks are prone to failure there can seem like a starter issue but it’s much worse

Thanks for the advice. I did check the flexplate and the flywheel. I plan on yanking this engine and replacing it with a 96-00 when i can find a decent one.

Do you use the heatshrink tht is on the new starter or make a new connection altogether?

 

[PNWEx]

I guess my question is what connection would be the best?

 

[410Fortune]

Always solder and heat shrink yes, this wire is exposed to the elements

I use these dealios

https://a.co/d/1UFgZY2

Flexplate = automatic
Flywheel = clutch

 

[PNWEx]

Always solder and heat shrink yes, this wire is exposed to the elements

I use these dealios

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYM1M652?tag=seriouexplor-20

Flexplate = automatic
Flywheel

Always solder and heat shrink yes, this wire is exposed to the elements

I use these dealios

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYM1M652?tag=seriouexplor-20

Flexplate = automatic
Flywheel = clutch

I do not have access to a solder gun. And whatever big gear the starter turns to start the SUV. No missing teeth or anything.

 

[410Fortune]

That’s the flexplate
They crack around the middle where it attaches to the engine
So with a flashlight look up in there really good while starter is out
You can find examples of cracked flexplate by searching

The connectors I posted do not require solder gun

 

[410Fortune]

Broken Flexplate?

Has anyone ever seen this before?

www.explorerforum.com

 

[PNWEx]

That’s the flexplate
They crack around the middle where it attaches to the engine
So with a flashlight look up in there really good while starter is out
You can find examples of cracked flexplate by searching

The connectors I posted do not require solder gun

Hmm..wonder why they call it a flexplate instead of flywheel. Engineers...right. But I definitely will. My rear main seal is beginning to leak which is why i plan on pulling it and putting in a 96-00.

So, yeah just snip off exsisting connector use a butt connector to connect exsosting to aftermarket starter and heat shrink over the butt connector?

 

[410Fortune]

Exactly
If the wire is long enough
Otherwise you will have to add a little bit of wire with your new connector
Easiest to do the wiring part while the starter is out, more room to work

 

[PNWEx]

Exactly
If the wire is long enough
Otherwise you will have to add a little bit of wire with your new connector
Easiest to do the wiring part while the starter is out, more room to work

My thoughts exactly. I have ordered the starter. Should be here Thurs. I appreciate all the help.

 

[eddiehudson]

It sounds like you have a problem with the starter drive, not the whole starter.

 

[PNWEx]

So, i replaced the starter with the one recommended here. Now when i turn the SUV over. It does nothing. Had the battery tested and its good. Any ideas?

I check the fuses for the ignition they are also good.

 

[Josh P]

Does the starter engage when you jumper, or short the 2 posts on the starter solenoid?