Starter Issues perhaps

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May 27, 2008 | 06:40 PM

#16

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin'

When mine went out, it had been slowly dying for about 6 months before it finally rolled over. The brushes inside the starter begin wearing out and eventually they won't catch anymore...that's the way the starter rebuild guys explained it to me.

I've had many starters over the years do exactly that. It spins nice a fast but that one time, just didn't engage. The grinding sound scared the you-know-what out of me. It almost sounded like engaging the starter after it was running.

And no it wasn't running...

In case someone asks.

May 27, 2008 | 06:44 PM

#17

Smokin'

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponyboychris

Thanks for the heads up on H&B. Much rather give a guy like that my business vs. a chain store. BTW, It seems like mine is the 2 bolt style.

Sure thing. Hank can be a little rude, but don't let that dissuade you. He's just a grumpy old man but he knows his *****.

If you have the two bolt starter, get the Nippindenso.

I know because I accidentally got the wrong starter when I went to Hank the first time, and the NipD was the two bolt starter.

The two starters LOOk way different, so I'm sure you'll know which is which.

Call him up and make sure they have it on hand before you drive down there, because I think he has to special order them in..he can get them same day from the starter shop, but he says the starters on the 7.3's don't go out much so he usually doesn't keep them on hand.

His number is 303-794-4444

May 27, 2008 | 06:51 PM

#18

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

Thanks again. Reps sent!!!

A part of me wants to just yank it out and replace but the frugal side says to wait and see if it happens again. I don't drive this daily so I'll have to go out and start it a bunch to see what the deal.

May 27, 2008 | 07:00 PM

#19

farmdad

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From: Buckingham, IA

I know that it is a long shot but maybe something got on the starter shaft and prevented the starter drive from moving far enough to engage properly but still turn and grind on the flexplate. Who knows if it would happen again. Might be worth taking the starter off and checking things over to see if something might be wrong with the drive.

May 27, 2008 | 07:14 PM

#20

Smokin'

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Markadeck

Now I'm leaning towards a broken tooth or two on the flex-plate or flywheel then. Cuz a dying starter will not make metal grinding noises. It may not happen again until you happen to shut the engine down in just the right (or wrong) spot.

Mark when he removes the starter will be be able to get a close look at the flywheel to see if there are missing teeth?

I didn't get myself up in there to take a look when I took mine off.

May 27, 2008 | 07:18 PM

#21

Markadeck

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin'

Mark when he removes the starter will be be able to get a close look at the flywheel to see if there are missing teeth?

I didn't get myself up in there to take a look when I took mine off.

Not a good look unless he has a real strong pal that is willing to turn it 360 degree's by hand.

May 27, 2008 | 07:19 PM

#22

lhud

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Chattanooga, TN

Mine totally went out a few months back. I initially replaced it with a brand new unit from NAPA. Shortly there after, it quit again. Turns out on the NAPA starter, the ignition terminal is very weak and it can short out and blow the starter fuse. Due to time constraints, I had to replace it with a rebuilt unit from NAPA. I then ordered me the hi-torque unit from D&B Electrical. It is a tight fit in my 2002, but it sure does spin the engine over much faster than the previous starters. I also like the big terminals used on their starters. I think the shipping was around $15 and it arrived in just three days. They are a good group of fellows up there.

Good luck,

May 27, 2008 | 07:27 PM

#23

Ponyboychris

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From: Kiowa CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markadeck

Not a good look unless he has a real strong pal that is willing to turn it 360 degree's by hand.

I think what Lisa meant was if it happens again, and I'm in a spot to drop the starter, I may be able to look up into the hole to see any missing teeth.

The thing is, it made the noise after the first try to start it. I turned the key completely off, then back on, waited for the WTS light to blink off and it fired right up. I've must have tried 10-12 times more since Sunday and it seems to be fine. Hmmmmm....