starter problems
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 412
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From: sc
starter problems
so when i go to start my 84 f150 it makes this grinding noise the starter drags and its very hard to start. I've replaced the starter, flywheel, torque converter, & the ignition control module. the battery was changed too! i'm not sure what to do now. should i adjust the timing or what?????
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
i forgot to mention it's has a mildly built 351w with a c5 tranny & stock ignition! it came with the Ignition control module that has the blue grommet but i was told to try the yellow one so that's on it now
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Are you at high altitude???
Where do you connect the extra plug of the dual mode ignition module?
I would go back to the blue DSII module.
Where is your ignition timing set?
Have you confirmed TDC #1?
How many teeth are on your new flexplate?
Where do you connect the extra plug of the dual mode ignition module?
I would go back to the blue DSII module.
Where is your ignition timing set?
Have you confirmed TDC #1?
How many teeth are on your new flexplate?
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
the truck was doing just fine until i had the transmission rebuilt. the timing is at 10 degrees the flex-plate is a 164 the other plug is not connected. I'm in Charleston SC. so i call the store where i i got the starter from and he said that i need a shim on it. from what i've been seeing so far theses new aftermarket starters are needing to be shimmed. i've never heard of putting a shim on a ford ever....but its only $5 so its worth a shot i think...oh and i am gonna put the blue module back on the truck..
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
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This may sound wierd but did you have your new starter tested before installing. I have had alternators brand new defective replaced with new defective and go back and find they had a bad lot. I always have my new parts tested now when possible.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
yes i did make them check it before i bought it as i do now with all the new stuff that i buy. the guy at the store told me that these starters need to be shimmed now. i didn't have any of these issues with the 302 that was in the truck because it had the original starter on it so i thought that it would be a good idea to replace it with a new one since i went with a 351w i really wish i knew where my engine builder put that old starter.. so i'm gonna give the shim a try since it was only $8 and it is just for a ford starter too!!!!
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
so i installed that damn shim it took a minute but i got it in. the truck started fine for a few days but it's back to the old grinding again. now I'm trying to figure out what to do. i'm thinking about going to a manual transmission any thoughts???????
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Senior User
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If the spacer/index plate is bent it can cause the starter to be misaligned, also I have had replacement starters that could move/rotate a small amount on the bolts; just enough to cause partial engagement of the pinion and ring. When installing the starter you might try to push/rotate it toward the engine as you tighten the bolts. Or away.
If they told me the starter needed a shim on a Ford, I would simply get my money back and go elsewhere, if it's manufactured wrong and they know it they should not sell it.
If they told me the starter needed a shim on a Ford, I would simply get my money back and go elsewhere, if it's manufactured wrong and they know it they should not sell it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
I had a similar problem like that once and it turned out to be a bad ground wire connection.
Check where the negative battery cable bolts (grounds) to the front of the engine. If you see any corrosion there, clean it off real good and re-connect the cable. And check both battery cables and your starter cable for wear.
Check where the negative battery cable bolts (grounds) to the front of the engine. If you see any corrosion there, clean it off real good and re-connect the cable. And check both battery cables and your starter cable for wear.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
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I've just slid a flat bar or such between bell housing and spacer and hammered flat, easier than pulling transmission.
Only two contact points really on these starters and can be a bit like a seesaw, the index plate kinda keeps the starter perpendicular to the flexplate. I'd not give much chance of finding a new one.
Only two contact points really on these starters and can be a bit like a seesaw, the index plate kinda keeps the starter perpendicular to the flexplate. I'd not give much chance of finding a new one.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
i ordered a high torque starter which hasn't come in yet cleaned all connenections so hopefully this weekend i'll see how this new starter works. my engine builder just told me that the oe starter wont work well with an engine with over 10:1 compression. that would have been great to know a long time ago right!!!
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: sc
UPDATE
so i installed the high torque starter this weekend without te spacer put in the new heavey duty silenliond and new plugs cleaned all the connections and it started like a ford should when i was finished. no i haven't road tested her yet due to bad weather yesterday and i need to instal the heat sheild for the starter but, so far it's starting great.