1985 F-150 Starter Problems

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Aug 12, 2003 | 08:56 AM

jaydlyn506

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1985 F-150 Starter Problems

My grandpa has a 1985 F-150 that keeps eating up starters. He said the motor is a 251 Windsor. I think the motor was rebuilt at one time but I'm not sure. Anyway, we replaced the flywheel and anything else we can think of and it still does it. It is just going through them. Any ideas from anyone would be great. thanks

Aug 12, 2003 | 09:29 AM

zigzagn

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1985 F-150 Starter Problems

Might need to shim the starter to get a better match between the flywheel and the starter gear. Is it chewing up the gear or killing the starter electrically?

Aug 13, 2003 | 08:29 AM

jaydlyn506

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1985 F-150 Starter Problems

I am not for sure if it is doing one or the other. I know when I had it nd the starter went out on it, it would make a grinding sound until it finally started and then it would just eventually grind and not start. I am assuming it is chewing up the gears. It took about a month before it finally quit completely and it has done the same thing to all the other starters we have put in it.

Aug 13, 2003 | 09:34 AM

nzabka

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1985 F-150 Starter Problems

From what I understand, you dont shim a starter for a Ford. Or at least for that motor, I'm guessing you have a 351w, not a 251w.

The only thing that comes to mind is:

Did you get the correct flywheel? The 351w takes a 164 tooth with a 28oz. weight. I'd double check that. Also, make sure you put the flywheel on the right way as far as which direction the weight is facing. I think it should face inwards, from what I remember doing mine. Am I right on that guys?

Aug 13, 2003 | 10:06 AM

jaydlyn506

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1985 F-150 Starter Problems

I will check on that. thanks guys I will let you know.

Jul 7, 2004 | 12:32 PM

John Luther

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Shim???? Do they make Ford starter shims?

May 4, 2015 | 04:01 PM

Itsjustin05

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Help

I'm having the same problem.
I have a 1985 f-150 with a 351W and every time I start it it's grinding I just replaced the starter and it's still making the noise. I need help! Please