Ford Ranger - Field repairs

[JPSmit]

the camp where my daughter works has an old (1st generation?) Ford Ranger. It has a 4 banger in it. I have been asked to take a look because it won't start. From the sounds I am having described to me, it sounds like the bendix in the starter isn't moving - is this a job I can do in a field? any tips? are these puppies metric or sae?

thoughts, advice?

thanks all

 

[JPSmit]

bump

 

[Steve]

You might be able to coax it into life with a gentle hammer application....

Actually, if you have access and can pull the starter a little lubing (if it is indeed the stuck bendix) and manipulation might work. Is it a 5-speed? If so, bump-starting the thing would help the diagnosis. They are describing a whirring sound with nothing happening when the key is turned?

 

[JPSmit]

yes, realizing this is a bunch of teenagers whose collective car knowledge amounts to watching the fast and the furious. I'm a little anxious that it might be the timing belt - but, good council, getting them to bump start - it will get those boys to blow off some steam which in turn will keep them away from my daughter

 

[3798j]

I spend some time on the FTE (Ford Truck Enthusiasts) Forum for my '55 F100. Did a search on the Ranger side and came up with this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/670363-starter-doesnt-turn-over.html
His 4 cyclinder "no start" starter was "repaired" with a hammer. There's some other possibilities to consider so you may want to take a look.

 

[14dna]

JP;

If you haven't got it working yet, give me a PM or call and we'll try to get it going.

Dave :thumbsup:

 

[JPSmit]

got the starter in the trunk - couldn't bump start it. we'll get it checked tomorrow. clicked when I tried to turn it over so I suspect that is what it is. gear was pretty chewed.

The problem is Dave, the truck is north of Goderich and it may be getting to the end of its life anyway. I'm actually going to visit my car dealer friend tomorrow to see if he has a trade in he can donate rather than send to the wreckers as it will never be on the road anyway

 

[14dna]

If you do need help, just call.

Dave

 

[JPSmit]

Thanks Dave - picked up another starter today so we'll see how it goes.

I may have another project as well - see next post

 

[JPSmit]

update - I'm confused

replaced the starter - from a wrecker

turned the key (OK the screwdriver it's an old truck) click click click

ah thinks I, time for a new solenoid.

get a new solenoid, install - nothing

Ah thinks I - it's backwards - so I reverse it, still nothing

so, what am I missing? I would presume that with a new solenoid I would at least get the same clicking.

ideas?

 

[Silverghost]

Have you checked the battery, cables and all connections? You may be suffering from insufficient power flow/supply?

 

[Steve]

Earth strap from the negative terminal of the battery to the firewall. Make sure the connections are clean and solid......

 

[DrEntropy]

After all that:

Have someone engage the starter circuit and WHACK th' starter body rapidly a few times with a BFH... if it spins up, the starter is FUBAR.

And do NOT hold the thing to the 'start' position for more than a few seconds each time.

 

[JPSmit]

gonna have to play with the starter circuit a bit as the key is long gone - anyone know off hand which wires go to which for me to put a switch in?

however, should it turn over if I put a screwdriver across the terminals of the solenoid?

 

[DrEntropy]

unless th' starter is FUBAR. Again: short th' solenoid and beat th' starter at th' same time... if it spins, th' starter is th' problem.

 

[JPSmit]

will try - will be a few days till I get to the camp again. does it matter which way the solenoid goes on?

 

[DrEntropy]

If it's a typical Ford and the solenoid is mounted to sheetmetal, it shouldn't matter.

 

[JPSmit]

If it's a typical Ford and the solenoid is mounted to sheetmetal, it shouldn't matter.

that's exactly what it is