Please for give me if this has been posted somewhere. I have a 01 f250 auto with a starter issue I am most certain now is a bad flex plate. About every dozen times I would try starting it the starter would make a whirring sound like the starter gear was not engaging. I peeked through the inspection plate and saw wear on the flex plate teeth on the sides like it wasn't completely enguaging and hitting the side of the teeth. I got a New starter (not a rebuilt one) and put it on. It spins a lot faster but still does the same thing about every 10-12 times I start it. When it does this I can but the starter a hand full of times until I feel it grab hold and it turns the motor over. That being said I was looking for a write up or instructions on flex plate replacement and where to get a replacement. Thanks in advance!

 

I cant help ya with a write up, but im sure there is one somewhere and Im sure someone will point it out if there is. But I guarantee you that is exactly the problem. Bad teeth on the flex plate will cause exactly what you re experiencing. Happened to me on my 01 and to my dad on his 99. I had mine changed while also doing transmission work and it was out of the way, my dad brought his to someone to have it done. But long story short, you have to drop the trans to change the flex plate. Will most likely find a few cracks in it as well.