New to the group thank you

I have an ice cream truck-83 Step van. VIN comes back to E350.
Has ‘87 inline 300 engine (based on ID from the block)

I keep burning through starters and multiple mechanics can’t seem to find cause
Steps taken so far:

C6 transmission rebuilt and installed this May
new flex plate
wrapped pipe to reduce heat as it’s next to starter
wrapped starter as well
OEM Ford bolts
New starters not remanufactures(NAPA, AC Delco)

What latest mechanic did do:
he noticed the starter moved when cranked so he ordered Ford bolts with shoulder and added LocTite

That seemed to have done the trick but only last several weeks
Another mechanic mentioned there was a starter with an additional tooth that maybe could do the trick

Any and all help is appreciated
Romeo

 

What is the failure of the starters? Electrical? Mechanical? All failed the same? You are going to have to investigate what is failing with the starters, and then go from there for a solution. Teeth torn off? Bendix assembly torn up? What does it do when it fails? Not run at all? Grinding sounds but won't turn the engine?

 

Hi Romeo and welcome to the forum.

First thing I’d suggest is sticking with one mechanic, instead of jumping from place to place. Let him work the problem all the way through, instead of having a new guy start from scratch each time.

Some newly manufactured starters are junk right out of the box. In many cases, you’re better off with a QUALITY remanufactured unit. Stay away from the lifetime guarantee remans from discount chains. Those units typically get little more than new brushes and a fresh coat of paint.

If the starter is moving under load, that suggests the gear mesh is too loose. The torque needs to be transmitted via the relatively flat face of the gear teeth. If the teeth are only engaging on the beveled portion at the tip, this tends to push the two gears away from each other. That one mechanic may be hot on the trail by suggesting a starter gear with an extra tooth. It may be a slightly larger diameter so will engage better.

Can you please post a picture of the gear teeth on one of the failed starters, or better yet the ring gear? This will give an idea what the gear mesh looks like.

All of the above was based on the gears grinding when trying to start. Or maybe not really engaging well and making a zinging noise instead. If the gears seem to mesh okay but the starter bogs down (slow cranking speed), please see this:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...w-starter.html

 

Being the motor is different year than truck the motor has been changed.
Dose it have a motor plate between motor and bell housing?
That is what locates the starter.
I am also told there are 2 different starters, auto tran & manual trans.
Motor plate may also be different between transmissions but not 100% sure.
Dave ----