starter problem '90 F350

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Jan 27, 2004 | 11:00 PM

CDM

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starter problem '90 F350

I have now used 2 starters on my 1990 F350 (with a 460 and auto). After I installed the first one it ran fine for about 15 starts. It then gave out - first making lots of grinding noises and then nothing. You could hear the starter motor whirr but little else. The second starter was the same- it started about 12 times and then the grinding. Both starters were bought from the shop as rebuilt.

I have no idea if I should shim it, take off that flexible metal piece that covers the starter area, or what. Any ideas or advice is appreciated. thanks

CDM

Jan 28, 2004 | 08:14 AM

low-side

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Have you already turned in your core? I always take the old one in so the numbers can be run in the catalogs, I don't trust the catalogs for starters, alternators, etc. You could also have been given one for a manual, you might need the starter Ford said they stopped using in '89 or didn't use til '91 or something else. Other possibilities could be a starter switch that stays engaged too long, a sticky solenoid, etc. Needs more investigation.

Jan 28, 2004 | 09:50 AM

CDM

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thanks - i took the core back but I will see about the '89 starters

Feb 21, 2004 | 03:18 PM

CDM

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Well, i checked the difference between the 89 and 90 starters (both reg and h.d) and there is no difference. I checked the teeth on the flexplate(flywheel) and they seem fine ( as much as I could see them). It seems that the teeth on ther starter are able to engage for a short period of time but after a dozen starts (as I already pointed out) the teeth get "topped" and don't engage. I had thought about widening the bolt holes on the starter to allow me to 'shim' it a bit higher and thus engage the teeth a little better but I don't know if that would work.

Now here in Canada that rebuit starter is $110.00! Going through 2 of them is tough. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks again guys

CDM

Feb 21, 2004 | 06:01 PM

whoozeyourdaddy

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Is your starter the newer looking, smaller starter? I had the same problem with my 90 f-250 with the 351w and C6. It had the newer starter on it. I bought one for a 79 ford C6, the bigger starter. The older starter had the same nose cone, just the motor was bigger. It cranks over alot faster, and sounds better to. All i had to do was drill out the starter cable because it bolts onto a stud on the older one. I would check out a starter for an older model 460.

hope i helped,
Brian.

Feb 23, 2004 | 10:14 PM

CDM

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Na - its the bigger one. This thing has me stumped. The only thing I can think of is that the flexplate has somehow become 'warped' and is doing this. Looking through the starter hole it seems ok - but ya know how big that window is

thanks for the idea - I will take all the suggestions I can get - the trucks just sittin there for now