Question for ya, I just put a new starter in my 97 350 because it had been grinding some lately. Today i went to start it and it grinded again. I'm hopping i don't have to replace the flywheel, and was wondering if there was some adjustment that i missed, or something else. Also, do you think the problem would get worse if i just left it alone for now? it only grinds every once in a while, and i dought that i have the tools and equipment to install a new flywheel. any info would be great... thanks!

-Robb

 

Did the old starter have any shimes on it.

 

nope, these engines don't need shimes that i'm aware of....

-Robb

 

when is it grinding?
when its about to start
just started
just turned key

 

when just turned key to "start" position. When i hear it, i immediately flip it back to off.... wait a sec.... and crank again and it fires right up.

-Robb

 

Pull off the startor and look at the flywheel teeth. i think you can see them, you should be able to tell if its good or not.
if it looks goo then id check all of your connections and test you battery. could be poor power to the starter.
Mitch

 

Batts are good, just put a load tester on them yeaterday to make sure of it, connections are all good, tightened everything down at batts and starter as well.... ugh i don't want to replace the flywheel...

-Robb

 

pull out the startor and get a mirror and flash light and look in there. also look for metal shavings. if you see any, sorry to say you prob need to get a new flywheel on that sucker.
Mitch

 

you can do it!!!!!!

 

ha thanks Ryan for the confidence booster..... I'll pull the starter off tomorrow and see what i'm up against. How much does a new flywheel run? I'm assuming I have to drop the tranny to get into the flywheel area. Any special tools that I might need? I have standard back-yard mechanic stuff.... torque wrenches, air tools.... etc... (Saw-Zall my favorate tool!)

-Robb

 

I had the same problem after a rebuilt starter was installed. It turned out to be the starter. The shaft that the gear slides on was cruddy....wouldn't allow the gear to slide far enough to engage the flywheel, grinding occationally.

The tolerance on the gear/shaft is really close and most remanufacturers don't replace either of them, they just buff the shaft.

Hope this helps.
JIM

 

I also fixed a grinding starter by removing it and putting some light lubricant on the bendix shaft. It also was binding, the same as Cuda_Jim's starter. Don't use a heavy lube like grease, but a thin lube like 3-in-1 oil or similar.

 

Had the same problem with my '97 F250. Installed new flywheel, NAPA rebuilt and had the same problem. Installed new FORD starter, no problem. I did lube the bendix shaft before installation also, that might have made the difference. Good luck

 

Thanks guys, where would I find the bendix shaft? do i have to take the starter appart to get to it? thanks!

-Robb

 

When you remove the starter, the part that goes inside the bell housing holds the end of the shaft. The gear assembly that you can see on that shaft is the bendix. If you turn the gear one way it will push out (away from the starter motor) on the shaft. It should travel smoothly (it is spring loaded) and go almost to the end of the shaft, if you try and turn it the other way it will not move. Look for burrs or rough spots on the shaft, if you find any use (fine 300 grit or up) sand paper to smooth out and then light oil.