OK, I've searched the archives and still can't get '78 F-150 302 to start.

Problem - getting the dreaded clicking noise when trying to start. The more I do I'm getting more of a whirring noise.

What I've done
- charged battery (it's fairly new)
- replaced cables
- cleaned/sanded around ground
- put on new starter (new starter that's sat in garage for a while)
- new starter switch solenoid

...Go to start - it just kinda whirs
Any thoughts appreciated (next on my list would be voltage regulator, then maybe new key switch

Thanks,
Crutch - Atlanta

 

the new from the floor of your garage starter may not work...if it is getting power and not engaging the enginge it is probly bad.

 

the starter drive is not coming in take the starter off look inside at the drive gear see if you can move it forward is the fork hooked to it now take a jumper cables hook them to the batterey , hook the ground cable to the starter mounting flange touch the positive cable to the cable stud (put a nut on the stud to protect it) watchg the starter drive it should come out and spin if all this works look at your flywheel maybe you got bad ring gear

 

It's the Starter Drive. (can be bought seperately)

Do you search Starter won't crank ?
This has been discussed a lot on here.

 

Yes I searched.
I imagine everything has been talked about by now...

 

Sounds a lot like your flywheel/flexplate is shot. The clicking is the starter kicking the bendix (starter drive) out, and the whirr is it spinning. Its obviously not engaging, so its got to be your ring gear.

It would make a terrible grinding noise if your starter drive was bad.