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Starter grinding--going bad?

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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 11:43 AM
  #1  
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From: Solon, Iowa
Starter grinding--going bad?

About every 8th or 10th time I start the truck, the starter will grind or whine for just a second or two, then grab hold again and start the truck with no problem. I figure the starter is going bad and needs to be replaced...or is something that can be fixed without replacing the whole starter? Checked all connections and they are good, clean and tight.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 11:45 AM
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Check the mounting bolts. They are known to backout.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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I agree^^.Mt top bolt needs to be fixed as well.It is about stripped.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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I AGREE with 61 uni, but also, your solenoid could e going bad and wont push the bendix out in certain spots. Also, u could have worn teeth on your flywheel.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 12:34 PM
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Definitely could be worn teeth on the flywheel, but usually the grinding sound occurs less frequently than every 8-10 times. But it could certainly be the flywheel. I think someone told me you have to take the transmission out to replace the flywheel. Is that right? If so, definitely something to get done when I head down to BTS!
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 03:27 PM
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Do you have a auto or manual tranny? if you have a auto pull off the insp. plate and check the teeth on the flexplate/flywheel...it sounds to me like the bushings could be going out in the starter or the flexplate has been chipped or missing teeth...
 
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 03:35 PM
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Thanks for all the great help, guys! I have an auto. I'll check into all your suggestions, and when I know what's going on, I'll let you know. Again...thanks a bunch. Great info!
 
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Old Oct 30, 2009 | 01:21 PM
  #8  
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Update

Just thought I'd update you on the starter issue. Turns out it was the starter. Kevin and his crew at Black Magic Performance replaced it with a high performance starter that's about twice the size of the stock unit. Can't believe the difference! The new starter is about 20 times faster and just spins the engine...starts it in about 1 to 2 seconds, no grinding. Makes a world of difference heading into winter!! Thanks for all your help folks...I really appreciate your advice and input.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2009 | 09:36 PM
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Glad to hear you got it fixed!
 
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