1991 Ford Explorer no power to starter

1991 FORD EXPLORER
192,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHN MACLEAN
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Good day
I bought the vehicle last Oct, and was told then that there might be a wiring problem, improper ground somewhere, and the rear upper taillight bulbs were burnt out, and he thought that was the problem.
I am at wit's end, I haven't had a problem until , I drove home 2 nights ago, and everything seemed OK when I parked. Tried to start it yesterday morning, and nothing,
So I got a boost, nothing,just a click and that's it.
I have checked booth fuse box's and there all fine. I took the battery out of a friend s van, and nothing.I have changed the solenoid, and then the starter, and then spotted the fuse-able link, and replaced that as well, still nothing, just click, The radio works, the windows go up, an down.
I look forward to your advice, and thank you for your time
May 31, 2014 at 6:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When you get the click, do all electrical components including the lights on the dash go out? Have you checked the primary ground to the engine block from the battery to make sure the cable is good and it has a good, clean and tight connection?
May 31, 2014 at 8:38 PM
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JOHN MACLEAN
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Ok,I will check the ground, and yes, the lights dim when the key is turned to start.
The interior power drainage, is due to something else, or is it part of a faulty ground?
Jun 1, 2014 at 5:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Okay... Since the new starter does the same thing as the old one, and you don't lose total power when you hear the click, that concerns me. Are you sure the engine hasn't locked? If you take a breaker bar and try to turn the crank at the pulley, does the engine turn? Since the lights dim when you try to start it, that tells me that there is power going to the starter, but it can't turn the engine.

Check the ground and if it is good, check to see if you can turn the engine as I described above. If you can't turn it both ways, pull the spark plugs out and see if the starter turns it over with the plugs out. You may have a bad head gasket and one of the cylinders may have filled with coolant which would cause a hydrostatic lock.
Jun 1, 2014 at 2:23 PM
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JOHN MACLEAN
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Thank you for your time and knowledge,After the new starter didn't turn it, my thought was the engine had seized. I have been thinking of turning the crank, however I kept thinking there was no noise, and the oil is clean. When I read the part of a hydro static lock, I thought OK this could be the answer.I will let you know.
Jun 1, 2014 at 2:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Ya... it's possible. Let me know what you find.
Jun 1, 2014 at 2:53 PM