Starter on 54 223 Grinding
 

So the truck was starting and running fine. Tried to start it today and I got a grinding sound. Tried banging on starter with a hammer. Checked charge on battery. From what I can tell, it's either a bendix problem or flywheel problem. Where to start? Should I remove starter and check for wear? Truck has been converted to 12 v, so I don't if the starter is original or was replaced to a 12v unit as I don't know enough about conversions, so if I need parts or a new starter, don't know which starter or starter parts to order.

These starters generally have two issues. Worn brushes and worn bearings. The six volt starters generally survive quite well running on 12 volts. If the bendix is kept reasonably clean, about the only problem they have is a broken spring. Probably time to remove and examine the starter. Who knows what you'll find, perhaps a mouse nest gumming things up. :-hair If you have an independent shop that can rebuild it, that may be your best bet. Recent reports of rebuilds costing in the $50. range.
Edit: Check the flywheel gear when you have the starter off.

Thank you Ray. I will do that. Of course, later on last evening, It started right up. I read that when certain parts get warn, depending where they line up when the engine stops, it might slip at next start. Worth taking a look.

My Bendix Starter is working fine, but sounds like a Dolphin talking for the first two minutes or so. What gives?
Thanks...

Maybe you ran over Flipper.....

Seriously, I see this was your first post. Welcome to FTE. We believe this is the best old ford truck forum on the world wide web!

We need to see pics of your truck, some history and what state you are from!

This is when the flywheel ring gear gets chipped or missing teeth. Depending on where the engine stops, the starter may or may not try to engage the bad area of the gear. Be sure to turn the engine over to inspect each tooth of the mentioned gear. And, of course, check the teeth on the bendix gear.

Welcome


Agree with what Raytasch said. I just had a new drive unit put on my starter by a great shop. A good shop will be able to tell weather it is 6 or 12V and can readily order parts for most starters. good luck

Just got my starter back from the shop. $85 later and starts better than ever. Problem was worn brushes and bearings. Thankfully flywheel teeth were fine, so I didn't have to go through that headache.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e4a48c3b1a.jpg


Installed rebuilt starter.<br/>

Always nice to get a diagnosis and resolve report. Thanks.

Nice going Mike