High Pitched squeal

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Aug 14, 2010 | 06:59 PM

seawulff

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 372

Likes: 1

From: Walnut Creek, CA

High Pitched squeal

I was under my '56 F100 greasing the front suspension and decided to tighten so loose bolts. I tightened the bolts that attach the starter to the engine and now when I start up just as the engine kicks over there is a short high pitched squeal. Does this mean my starter is in need of repair/replacement? How did tightening the bolts screw things up. Thanks in advance.

Aug 14, 2010 | 08:03 PM

Julies Cool F1

Post Fiend

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 7,641

Likes: 21

From: Poway, Ca.

It sounds like your generator/alternator fan belt is a little loose and squeeling when it kicks on with some rpm at start.

Aug 14, 2010 | 08:11 PM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 4,900

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

Seawulf,perhaps you could try slightly loosening the bolts back up a bit.If that solves it,you could remove the starter for closer examination of it and the flywheel.Bye the way,aren't you the guy who recycled some parts for me down here in the Santa Cruz Mtns.? Thanks for the bottle of wine.

Aug 14, 2010 | 08:55 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,288

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From: NM

Could be a bad Bendix on the starter, that isn't kicking out.

Aug 15, 2010 | 10:16 AM

seawulff

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 372

Likes: 1

From: Walnut Creek, CA

Thanks for the replies, I did tighten the belt and there is no difference. I don't know what a Bendix is-can you follow-up with me about that. Finally, Ibuzzard, yes I did "recycle" those parts and they work perfectly, the wine was the least I could do, glad you liked it!

Aug 15, 2010 | 10:37 AM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 4,900

Likes: 658

From: Mariposa, Ca.

Seawulf,after pulling the starter,you'll see a shaft about 8-10 inches long, protruding from the end of the starter motor.Over top of this shaft,and held in place by some kind of "keeper" ,is the Bendix,or starter drive. It is cylindrical in shape,and will include a spring,a gear ,large washer,etc.It is this piece that engages your flywheel to spin the engine when you turn the key.It is a wear-item,and often this is the only part needing changed when starter problems arise.If you'll take your starter to a reputable local auto-electrical shop,they'll be able to tell you if it's bad,and remove/install another one.They're not expensive.In your area,use the place that all the local repair shops send out their starters,alternators, etc.,to.
While the starter is out,see if you can examine the flywheel that the starter drive engages to,inspecting for worn and chipped teeth.Likely,it will be satisfactory,if in doubt maybe persuade a friend(with wine?) who is experienced to give an opinion.Good luck,I just did this on my truck.Steve.

Aug 15, 2010 | 11:19 AM

larryb346

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 914

Likes: 51

From: SW Missouri

I would think more than likely since you tightened the bolts and now it makes noise it is not likely a coincidence.
I would think perhaps one of the starter bolts is too long and scraping the flywheel or the starter nose or Bendix is wrong and scraping the flywheel since you pulled the starter tighter. That is assuming the high pitched noise you described is metallic sounding noise.
If the starter was put on by someone else and the bolts not tightened there may be a reason. You could loosen the bolts and see if the sound goes away.
Good luck
Larry