Automatic, new NAPA 3-bolt starter replaced dead, possibly original starter.

Got several successful starts, today, not.

Cranked about 4 times, grrrr-spinnnnnnnnn! each time. Put on charger before last try, so it's not low batteries failing to engage the Bendix.

Pulled starter and inspection cover. Starter pinion teeth look untouched. Ring gear has three damaged teeth where the pinion was grinding. Lost about 1/8" off the engine side of the center tooth, less on either side. I didn't see any "old" metal in the bottom of the inspection cover, so I'm guessing all damage is from this start attempt, and possibly due to a weak or badly-timed Bendix on the new starter. Starter is getting replaced one way or the other.

So here's my question: Do I also replace the flexplate & ring gear and , (shop will do it, not me...), or just the starter, and figure I won't have any problems even if the start is on those three teeth?

If those teeth are problems, then I'll miss about 1 out of every 56 tries (3/168), and the odds will get worse as adjacent teeth get worn by missed starts. I don't want to be crawling under the truck in sloping mud or briers, pulling the inspection cover, and prying the flywheel over.

 

you will actually miss 1 out of every 4. because its a 4 stroke cycle, the engine will stop when one of the pistons hits the compression stroke. that happens 4 times per rotation.

i would replace the flex plate if you can afford it. the flex plate might also be bent.

richard

 

I'd stick another starter in first and see what happens.

 

a new starter will only last until it stops on the bad flex plate teeth, and then tear the starter drive up again. the only fix is to replace the flex plate.