Any ideas as to why the starter on my 94 Mazda pick-up truck keeps failing?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris W
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Chris W

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For the past 3 or 4 years, every few months, I will try to start my truck without success. The battery is fine, I here a distinct "click" when I turn the key, but the starter never turns the engine over. When this happens, I completely remove the starter, do nothing to it, then reinstall it and it works fine for the next month or so. I have replaced the starter 3 times with a new starter but it still eventually fails. I am convinced that the problem lies outside of the starter, because all I have to do to fix it is take it out then put it back on.
This seems to happen when it rains, but not always. I have looked for a short in the wiring, but have not found one. When it is not working, there is still power going to the starter.
The solenoid is attached to the starter (a single unit).
The battery is absolutely fine.
If I keep trying to start it when it is not working, I can smell the distinct scent of an electrical motor overheating when I get close to the starter.
This happened once when my sister borrowed my truck. She tried to jumpstart it to no avail (the battery is fine), then left it alone for 20 minutes or so. When she came back, it started right up for her and worked fine for another couple of months.
Also, the 94 Mazda is nearly identical to the 94 Ford Ranger. I have the B4000 which would be 4.0 L in the Ranger
 
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