4.0 Clutch Conversion Question on a 2.9l V6

[HomeandRanch]

I have a bronco 2 2.9 l V6 and here are my specs

2wd

Manual trans

1988 Bronco 2

The Truck has a 1997 Ford Explorer 4.0 L flywheel, clutch and starter on it.

My problem is when I start the Bronco my starter stays engaged for about 2 seconds after the engine comes up to speed.

I put a "brand new" starter on it and the same thing happens. Before the swap it did not do this so I doubt the ignition all of sudden went bad.

Has anyone else had this problem? I am going to try to shim the starter out in the next day or two. Does this have any chance of working?

Thank you!

 

[AllanD]

Did you replace the sheet metal seperator plate?

The hole in the original aluminum plate forces the starter into a position "tighter" to the flywheel.

It is also thinner than the STEEL seperator plate used on the 4.0.

ONE 10mm washer on each bolt between the starter and bellhousing
should fix the problem, but ifit takes more than that you've got something else going on.

I can say that you don't inadvertantly have a 4.0 auto-trans starter
because they will NEVER disengage.

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[4x4junkie]

To me that sounds like you don't have it wired right (I ran into the same issue also).

The new starter should be wired as per here:

 

[HomeandRanch]

I will double check the wiring .

I hope the washer works! Thanks.

 

[HomeandRanch]

update

Ok tried the shims today even tried 2 washers on each bolt. Still the same thing.

Could it be something with the ignition? If it is not the ignition then what could it be?

Maybe I am cursed to drive around with an extra starter in the back "just in case" this one decides to go out.

Thanks

 

[HomeandRanch]

Holy cow.... It is the wiring. I don't have my book yet now I just have to find the relay.

It definitely does not look like the picture.

edit:
I found on the link on this website. He had the main power line wired to the relay not the battery. I switched it and it worked! Woohoo thanks a lot guys. I wish I had checked this first.

 

[4x4junkie]

Glad to be of help

That symptom sounded very familiar, as I tried wiring it the same way initially and ran into the same thing on mine.
With the solenoid and main power terminals connected together like that, the motor generates a small current that continues to hold the solenoid engaged while spinning down after releasing the key, finally dropping out after it finishes winding down.

Now I guess next is to return that "slightly used" starter lol

 

[AllanD]

Good catch and an EXCELLENT diagram.

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