1985 Ford Bronco starter problem

USF7628

MEMBER
1985 FORD BRONCO
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

I have a 1985 Bronco 2 that I got as a project car. We needed something to help haul and also I need to start learning more about how to fix cars. I got this and the starter is the major issue. The guy I bought the bronco from had a wood wedge jammed in next to the starter to make connection. The wedge fell out and when I turn the key, I can hear the starter turn, but it is not turning over the moter at all. I put the wedge back in and I heard a grinding sound and then it sounded like it was touching nothing again. I took the starter off thinking it was the problem, but the people at the autoparts store said I had the wrong bolts in it. I went on a hunt to find the "right bolts" 3/8 x 16 thread 37-45 mm long. But they were too short. The one bolt did not even fit into the opening under the bronco. So I ended up 5 hours later with basically the same bolts in it and the same problem. Any ideas?

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Its not a chevy-but try shimming it with shims-parts store should have it-your problem is that you're too far from the flywheel and the starter drive pinion. Trial by Error.

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Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 AT 4:34 PM

USF7628

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4 POSTS

I was told locally to try putting washers between the starter and the manifold? Instead of shims. They said that that would work the same as shims. This really didnt do anything to help. I put a few washers in and nothing really changed. I cant put any more in without changing the length of the bolts. Another person told me that it might be a bad spot on the fly wheel and to try moving it by putting it into 4th gear. Then start it. This did not do anything. Im not sure if the washers where the same as the shims, but if not, where should the shims be placed at? Any more suggestions. Thanks

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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

You set the shims between the starter flange and engine block. You can use it parallel or at the ends only-am suspecting the drive pinion is too far from the flywheel or the flywheel is worned out -missing teeths.

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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 7:10 PM

USF7628

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How do I tell if it is too far out from the fly wheel? Can I take off the starter and manually spin the fly wheel to see if any teeth are missing? If the problem is the fly wheel, then how do I go about fixing it, is it fixable? I really appreciate all the help.

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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 7:18 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Drop the starter and peep in there find out what's going on. Your best bet is match up your starter-maybe its the wrong who knows-its been rigged before you bought it.