Sounds like the old Ford starters ... had to put a shim (spacer) under one side of the mounting surface of the starter to keep it aligned with the face of the flywheel. Where are you buying these starters? Are they dealership bought, or are they after-market replacements ??

 

Aftermarket replacements from Pep Boys.

 

Uh, huh ... Pep Boys ... Larry, Curly and Moe (lol)


I was raised in California, so I am real familiar with their products. You have my sympathy.

 

The wire with the black connector on it that you are pointing to goes to the Anti-Knock Sensor which is screwed into the block. It is round and has a black connector on top of it in the middle that the wire Snaps onto (The connector on yours looks a little different than this one). Hope this info helps.

 

Ok thanks. Only problem is I don''t see this anywhere near where this wire is hanging. Is there an exact location. I guess its possible that the top of this broke off which is why the other piece is hanging around.

 

i replaced the + cable and the car starts perfectly now. Thanks for all the help. I still can''t figure out where the anti-knock sensor is and where that wire goes, but i can live with the check engine light on.

 

It is simply amazing what a corroded battery cable will do ...