Starter related question. Starter getting stuck in flywheel but not spinning motor over. Starter or flywheel ring gear teeth? Which is the issue.

[MadMax_636]

So, I got my ranger running after durasparking it. For the longest time Ive had issues with the starter moving away from the flywheel and causing a grinding/binding sound and not spinning the motor over.

So, Saturday I had my starter get stuck in the flywheel 2 times in a row. I pulled the starter off and reset it. (Getting the Bendix back down) When I removed the starter it was stiff. Like it was difficult to get it back into place. I had to remove the cap to use a rubber mallet to get it to fall back into.

Im wondering if the issue could be related to the starter or the flywheel teeth. The teeth look good for their age but could obviously be better. None of them are chipped or broken off.

 

[Curious Hound]

It was still bound up when you removed it? Sounds like a lubrication or bent shaft issue. I would try to live the gear and get it to move easily on its own. If that doesn't work, get a new starter.

 

[MadMax_636]

It was still bound up when you removed it? Sounds like a lubrication or bent shaft issue. I would try to live the gear and get it to move easily on its own. If that doesn't work, get a new starter.

Yeah, When I removed the starter it was still out and stiff/stuck. I tried to push it back in by using a rubber mallet and the rubber handle of the screwdriver. (I put the flathead on the Bendix and used the mallet to hit the handle) It was super hard to get it to even move an inch. I had to pull off the cap to smack it a few times to try and get it to loosen up. I took like 5 good smacks. I got it loose and moving freely but once I put it back on the truck. It just got stuck again.

 

[adsm08]

Get a new starter.

 

[MadMax_636]

Get a new starter.

Already ordered a replacement off rockauto. I only buy new. I never had good luck with reman starters.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Get a new starter.

I couldn't have said it more beautifully

 

[Ramcharger90]

Already ordered a replacement off rockauto. I only buy new. I never had good luck with reman starters.

You should put a socket on the crank and have some one turn the motor while you use a light and inspect all of the teeth on the flex plate/ flywheel. If the starter was walking away from the flywheel how are the bolt holes in the bell? They might need repairs

 

[AndyB.]

The flywheel teeth I saw in your picture looked great.

There’s not a lot to these starters. When you get the new one, you can take apart the old. If you take the side cover off, you can see how the drive gear moves in and out.

The attached picture is the ring gear I replaced on my flywheel; it didn’t cause any issues.