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As the title states, when I start my truck I have to be extremely precise, returning the key back at exactly the right moment or having the starter "scratch", making the noise it does when you try to engage the starter but the engine is already on. My suspect is the Bendix, but this is the first time I'll lay my hands on the starter, any info on the procedures to follow? special considerations? anything else I should do while I'm in there? any other causes for this symptom?.
Also, my truck is an E4OD equipped auto, how many teeth should the starter ring have?.
I know having a failing starter on an auto is a recipe for a very unpleasant experience in the future, so I'd like to address this ASAP.
Nothing particularly special about replacing a starter, just make sure you disconnect the battery (negative cable first of course) to avoid a free light show and shower of high-amperage sparks while you're working. Otherwise it's just out with the old and in with the new. Pay attention to the wiring on the starter solenoid (not the fender solenoid but the one on the starter itself)... you will likely have a jumper between the little terminal to one of the big ones. If so then make sure that's in place on the replacement starter or you won't be starting much of anything.
Not sure how many teeth the ring gear should have, why do you ask?
Also just to expand your knowledge... your starter doesn't use a bendix. A bendix drive uses a spring to engage/disengage the pinion from the ring gear, our starters use a solenoid to do that job (the solenoid on the starter, not the one on the fender).
dixie460 explained it well, just one more tip, Take the old starter with you to the parts store and physically match it up next to the new starter. Make sure the bolt ears are the same and the nose is the same. If you're not going to Ford to buy it, some of these parts stores will sell you any old starter saying it's for your car.
Yes, there's plenty of places here in the States that rebuild them and they are just as reliable after the rebuild (if not better) as when they were new.