Tips on replacing the starter

[MattHarrell]

Okay, past history:

A couple days ago the truck, 91 Navajo, started
"wheezing" when starting. I charged the battery thinking that was the problem but now it refuses to even turn over. The battery is charged, I've checked the resistance along the various ground points (all fine), the battery cable is about a year old and looks fine from what I can tell, I shorted the two major wires on the relay (thing next to the battery) and the starter clicked but didn't do anything else. All this leads me to believe it's the starter since one of the relay wires comes from the solenoid so I'm guessing it's alright.

Anyway, the question is how do I get the starter off? Any tips or tricks? All the wires look like they're on the top and it doesn't look like it's in a very accessible place even with it jacked up.

Thanks

 

[CADDYBILL]

Replacing the starter is pretty straight forward. Only problem i had was that I have big hands and had to drop the starter before disconecting the wires.

 

[MattHarrell]

Yeah, I can't seem to get my hands in there easily either - that's why I was looking for suggestions. It looks like there are just two bolts which hold the starter/solenoid in place. I guess I'll take those off first and then disconnect the wires.

BTW, before I undertake all this does anyone think I've missed anything in diagnosing the problem?

 

[hitte4]

not sure if your navijo has same starter,but if it is the same as my 92 XLT it has another solenoid on starter.my 92 did exactly what yours did and it was the starter mounted unit that caused my problem

 

[MattHarrell]

It appears that except for a few trim pieces it is the same as an Explorer Sport so the part is the same.

I've seen but can't easily reach that solenoid. I may not get a chance today but I was planning on pulling the starter/solenoid off and brining it by to Pep Boys down the street. They already mentioned that they test the whole assembly when I bring it in so I'll make sure to do that before buying anything.

 

[hitte4]

I PRICED SOLENOID AT A.ZONE AND ADVANCE APPROX $.80 I HAD MY STARTER&SOLENOID REBUILT FOR60$

 

[MattHarrell]

Ok, thanks

 

[MattHarrell]

Took the starter out and had it tested - it was definitely bad since it would not spin some times and would smoke others. So, I got a new one

Installation of the new one went fine and it starts the truck up perfectly but I've got one possible problem - it seems to start up too fast. Now it starts quickly and grinds a little (reminiscent of starting it once it's started). Is this possible due to the fact that it's new and "rough" or did I mess something up putting it back in?

Thanks

 

[CADDYBILL]

Somtimes you have to shim the starter in order to get the correct spacing in the gears. Did any shims fall out during removal?

 

[MattHarrell]

No, never saw any shims - there's what looks like a gasket around where the assembly connects up but I didn't try pulling it off so I'm not positive that's what it is.

Will it cause any damage until I get it shimmed correctly? Any info anywhere about how to do this?

 

[CADDYBILL]

MattHarrell, I got your E-mail. I will look at my shop manual tonight and post any info I get tomoro. I've never had to play with any shims before. Just replaced with what was there. Just to make sure the starter you got is good go back to the store you got it from and let them know what it's doing. It's posible that the rebuild is bad.

 

[MattHarrell]

Yeah, the thought that it was bad occurred to me also. I'll take it off and see what they can find testing it. I was trying to think of a way I could test it myself but running it from the truck's power didn't seem like a good idea.

 

[CADDYBILL]

How did things work out? According to the shop manual-Possible Source(s):
1) Starter motor not mounted flush (****ed).

2)Noise from other components.

3) Investigate other powertrain accessory noise contributors.

4) Tooth damage in flywheel ring gear or excessive runout in flywheel ring gear.

5) Inspect flywheel ring gear and service as required.

6) Inoperative starter motor.

7) Replace starter motor. See «Removal and Installation» procedure.

 

[Isaac]

First things First

i relize you probably got everything nice and tight,, but just recheck the bolts holding the stater in,, if one or both of them come loose it will cause this too.
my 92 Ex made this noise starting when i bought it from the used carlot,, kinda helped get some money knocked off due to the dealer not knowing anything about the mecanics of cars lol,,
so i stole it for more then i should have,, $1700 for a 92 XLT 4x4 4 door.
anyway check those bolts!