Starter issue...I hope.

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Aug 31, 2011 | 04:01 PM

79man

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Southern Illinois

Starter issue...I hope.

My 1986 F250 6.9 4-speed has developed a starting issue. While cranking, sometimes the starter kicks out and spins freely. I will let off the key, and when the starter slows down a little, it will "bang" fairly loud like it is grabbing back onto the flywheel and come to a stop. Hit the key again, and sometimes it will repeat the process, and sometimes it will start. It has never failed to start, but I'm worried that it might not someday.

Do you guys think this is a starter bendix issue or a flywheel issue?

Aug 31, 2011 | 05:41 PM

tecgod13

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Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Western Mass

Sounds like it could be either. There should be a small sheet metal cover that goes over the bottom of the flywheel (unless its different on a 4 speed than the ZF 5 speed). With the cover off, you can see a good section of the flywheel. Rotate the engine by hand to see all of it. You might have some missing teeth on the flywheel, or some worn sections causing this.

If you pull the starter, you might be able to watch it and see if the solenoid doesn't operate smoothly, or the starter gear is messed up.

Last note, be careful when working near the starter, the connection where the battery attaches is constantly live, and can cause some pretty big sparks if you accidentally touch it with a wrench.