When I try to start-up, it sounds like my starter is spinning, but it’s not engaging. (I hear a humming noise). Prior to that happening, 3-4 times, I heard an odd sound, like something wasn’t engaging properly. After reading, I believe my “drive pinion” is not being pushed out, or my flywheel is bad.

Leading up to all this, I had been noticing some issues starting up. It was NOT the battery or starter. It would start as normal most times, but other’s, I had to move the column shifter around so I could start. When I could not start, nothing happened. No low battery, etc., It just seemed the same as if I was trying to start the engine while the shifter is in drive or reverse. Once I jiggled it, shifted it around, it would start up, no-problem.

I read about an issue with two loose bolts. I checked mine, one was tight, and I tightened the other a little, but the problem persisted.

I may have more problems now than just worn shifter components. Any advice?

 

When engaging the starter two things need to happen, the starter needs to spin and the gear on it need to come out about an inch or an inch and a half. I don't know what's called what there but bendix spring comes into it somehow. It sounds to me like you're bendix gear, spring, whatever is is not working. That would mean time to get a new starter or get yours fixed at a repair shop.

 

Thanks. That helps. Trying to avoid taking it somewhere. Haven't found a shop I really trust. The starter is about a year old, and does sound like it's still spinning. I thought it might be related to the shifter not shifting right. I.E., all gears seem to be a little bit to the left of where they should be.

 

Automatic transmission? There is an easy adjustment for the indicator under the steering column. A wheel that you spin one way or the other to line up your indicator. If your starter is spinning everything else is working and if it's not engaging either your flex plate is worn or your bendix isn't working right. Bendix would be the most preferable of the two.

 

Yes, Automatic. Will research the Bendix. Was just reading on the Flex plate. Sounded like it would involve dropping the transmission to get to it. I'm all for the easier fix, as long as it's permanent.

 

You can drop the dust cover & inspect the ring gear on the flex plate pretty easy.

 

Thanks. Raining now, with no garage, will inspect that tomorrow.

 

If you end up needing a starter, the Denso 5.4hp gear reduction unit is the best you can get. It is also easily user-rebuildable so it's the LAST starter you'll buy for your truck!!

You may have to clearance the X-member on some trucks to use this giant starter. Just takes a couple minutes with 4" grinder.

http://cncfab.us/shop/denso-gear-reduction-starter-for-1995-2003-ford-excursion-f-series-pickup-e-series-pickup-7-3l-power-stroke-diesel-tg228000-8420/

 

You mentioned new starter. Actually a "new" starter or one from a parts store? Most are "rebuilds" from South of the border or the like. As mentioned above, I believe that the Denso is the way to go.

 

Quick pull it and have it tested at a local auto electric shop.

 

And that is a convenient design for the average driver, all you have to do it turn the key. Problem is once you turn the key the starter begins to spin at the same time it is engaging the ring gear, which leads to the occasional grinding so many of us have heard on our trucks. Eventually the ring gear gets worn on the four spots that the engine normally stops at and some have had to replace the ring gear.

There is a mod I read about on the forum, can't find it now. It involves changing the design to work like an old time starter, where you press and hold a momentary switch on the dash with one hand which would engage the bendix, then turn the key with the other hand which would crank the starter motor. (I may have that backwards) Positive engagement before the starter begins to turn, no more ring gear damage. I remember on some old military trucks you would push a foot pedal to engage the starter. I could go for that.