Ok so I know this is f 150 thread but i have a ranger. I recently had to replace slave cylinder which is located in the bell housing of the transmission, so i had to drop tranny. once i got it all put back together i went to start it. when i turn the key over it makes a rapid machine gun like clicking noise and its constant until i turn the key off. I bought a new battery that didnt solve it, i took starter it and had it tested, test showed it was still good. i cleaned and checked all connections but it still makes this sound. i'm lost and everyone ive talked to is lost. any ideas?

 

Use the crankshaft bolt, and see if you can turn the crank. Sounds like something is binding the flywheel up.

 

I did that everything turns freely but still making that noise. I'm beyond frustrated at this point

 

how old is the battery? maybe it died?

you have a under hood light? Guess it could stay on and drain the battery down if you're working for a few hours....

 

Check the negative battery cable connection to the block.

 

He tried a new battery, and that didn't help.

 

starter solenoid?

 

Make sure your block is grounded properly

 

Everyone on here is on the same path as me sounds like the starter is staying engaged time for red neck troubleshooting - remove the starter and push start it see if the sound goes away

 

Exactly! Well, that will tell what it is, - or what it ain't anyway.

Tie the dogs up, chuck a T-bone.