Starting issues

[RobbyD]

I have a 91 Explorer, automatic, anyhow, its not starting at all, i turn the key and i hear the selinoid on the fender well click, so i replaced that thinking it was bad, didnt do any good. So while i was looking around i found the starter with another selinoid mounted to it, i decided to stick a screwdriver across the terminals to see if i could start it, well after a few times the solenoid spun but didnt engage the starter to flywheel, a few more times i managed to get it started that way, drove it home and it sits in my garage not starting again. Is it my starter or the solenoid on the starter?
Plus, why did i have to cross the terminals with a screwdriver to get it to kick, why didnt turning the key just do it?

Sorry so long but i had to explain everything, i appreciate every answer!

Thanks alot

Rob

 

[Sonicxtacy02]

went thru this ordeal last week. Here's how you can find the culprit

1. With the key in and set in the RUN position, use jumper cables, attach one to the first nut on the fender mounted solenoid. Attach the other end of the same cable onto the second on the solenoid, but DONT hold it there more than 5 secs. If it starts then the problem is battery cable/ignition system (switch, lock, etc). If it doesnt start but you hear the solenoid click, it means ur solenoid is good. Proceed to 2
2. Hook up voltage meter with + at the power cable at the relay and - grounded to the chassis. Have someone get in the truck and crank it. Check the voltage during cranks... should be 12v or more. If there's less or no voltage teh problem lies in the starter mounted relay, if there's 12v there its the starter.

Luckily starter replacements come with relay attached. Its an easy job too. You need a 13mm bit with wrench. Hop under the truck where the tranny meets the engine and there it is. Remove the bolts and pull straight out. Remove wires and install is the reverse of removal.

 

[RobbyD]

Well I decided to rebuild my starter today, so i ripped it apart tonight and put it all back together, the magnetic replacement hickamajig thingy was in pretty bad shape. At any rate, i am almost ready to put it back in the ex but im a little stupid cause i cant remember which post the battery wire connects to, can someone help me out here?
There are 2 large posts on the solenoid, the one post has the ground from the starter connected to it, for some reason im thinking the battery wire connects to this post also, but i just cant remember...lol

 

[Sonicxtacy02]

Are you referring to the fender mounted solenoid or the starter mounted relay?

 

[RobbyD]

Starter mounted solenoid, there are two bolt posts on this, a ground strap is coming out of the starter it self and connecting to one of these posts, then the battery cable comes down and connects to a post but im not sure which post it is, either the same one with the ground strap or the other post.
Which one is it?

 

[Sonicxtacy02]

Its the other bolt. Adding a power wire to a negative ground= big spark

 

[RobbyD]

Thanks man, I figured it was but wanted to make sure before i hooked them back up and tried it, I am having a problem right now with getting the top starter mounting bolt back in properly, feels like its getting stripped out.
Is it possible just to use a smaller bolt to go all the way through it with a nut on the other end? (in case the original bolt does strip out)

 

[Sonicxtacy02]

Thanks man, I figured it was but wanted to make sure before i hooked them back up and tried it, I am having a problem right now with getting the top starter mounting bolt back in properly, feels like its getting stripped out.
Is it possible just to use a smaller bolt to go all the way through it with a nut on the other end? (in case the original bolt does strip out)

I spose that might work. Another idea would be to buy a 7-9mm (just an estimate on size)threaded rod then used two nuts on either side to clamp the starter into position. I think that would hold it a bit more snug.