wife hears awful noise when starting won't start now just click fr

[88broncofull]

This is an 88 full size w/302 in it. My wife hears what she says is loud grinding metallic noise when attempting to start today. Now it won't start just one click from solenoid? I had her try to start and i could feel the solenoid from the outside of the fender.

I took loose all the connections on the solenoid and battery cables and cleaned them with wire brush. Reinstalled and same click noise (1 click and nothing). So I figure why not go buy a new solenoid and new positive battery cable. I installed new parts (new solenoid has 4 prongs instead of 3 don't think that matters) - same noise. Click but this time some smoke - just a little bit of smoke came from the new solenoid. Just before I noticed the smoke i was watching the negative cable on the battery literally jump. My wife tried to start 2x and I watched the neg jump like it was really gettin a lot of juice now. So this didn't fix my problem but probably needed done before it caused an issue.

What is my problem?

Thanks for helping. Last time I visited the site, I got my 4x4 working and drove all over the place in the snow. It was awesome.

 

[Bronc76]

Get starter tested.

 

[Krafty]

I would have to say that "loud grinding metallic noise when attempting to start" is a clear indication of a moving part not being able to move. \

sounds like you either completely ceased the starter or it jammed internally or worst case with the flywheel. take the starter off, and check for any obvious signs of damage. then report back to us,

 

[88broncofull]

will pull starter and check back

 

[Justshootme84]

You can take the starter off and bring it to the local auto parts store to test it (free) if needed. While that's off, I would suggest removing the negative battery cable from the frame mount and clean the ends, inspect the cable for any signs of contact with the frame/ engine other than the end. More than likely, the starter bendix is bad or the teeth have ground down. That same thing just happened to the 66 Mustang this pweek. You might also try to rotate the motor ising a breaker bar on the crank pulley to be sure the engine is not locked up or the timing chain broke. JSM84

 

[88broncofull]

New rebuilt starter from advanced with lifetime warranty including core $65

New solenoid and positive battery cable $30

hearing your bronco fire up instantly after a repair... priceless

so yeah they tested it and the bendix? was moving out but nothing was spinning. fly wheel was smooth on one side (facing passenger) and a little prickly or sharp on the side closest to center of vehicle. The wear seemed to be uniform and normal for a truck that is 22 years old.

Now that the truck starts so well I really think it needs a new ignition or key switch not sure which but it doesn't want to spring back to "run" after turning the key to "start".

 

[wolf83]

New rebuilt starter from advanced with lifetime warranty including core $65

New solenoid and positive battery cable $30

hearing your bronco fire up instantly after a repair... priceless

so yeah they tested it and the bendix? was moving out but nothing was spinning. fly wheel was smooth on one side (facing passenger) and a little prickly or sharp on the side closest to center of vehicle. The wear seemed to be uniform and normal for a truck that is 22 years old.

Now that the truck starts so well I really think it needs a new ignition or key switch not sure which but it doesn't want to spring back to "run" after turning the key to "start".

don't you just love it when the solution is (relatively) simple?

i have the "spring back" problem on my other toy -- an 82 chev 3/4 ton suburban. i haven't messed with it yet, so i'm not sure how to fix it. maybe someone else can chime in... cheers!

W.