I got a 98 f150 with a 2 year old starter in it. When I go to start the truck I turn the key and it makes a horrible metal crunching sound. If I quick stop, then turn it again, it'll start.
I saw another thread here with 'occasional grinding noise' but this just started, and happens every time I turn the key.
Does anyone think it is time for a new starter or should I look towards the fly wheel or something else???

 

The bendix spring on the starter has/is failing...is essentially throws the starter gear into the flywheel/flexplate to spin the engine...if its been grinding for a while, you will need to check the ring gear on the flywheel/flex plat to make sure it is not damaged...if it is, pull it and the ring gear can be replaced

 

Thanks. I haven't used my truck since I heard that noise on start, so it only rattled maybe 3 times, so hopefully no furthur damage was done.
Sounds like the easiest thing for me to do is replace starter (again).