starter grinding issues

[Shran]

I had this exact problem. The escort bendix (10 tooth I believe) solved my problem permanently.

same problem, whats new. 97% sure both of our tailgates dont open either
what were the steps you took? is it just a matter of swapping out starters? or is it more work to that? broke 18 year old im on a budget

Mad Max had another thread going and he swapped in the 10 tooth escort bendix and it solved his issue also. You have to get the correct bendix (the gear assembly on the end of the starter) and then you have to take your starter apart and swap the gear assemblies out.

Do a search on "10 tooth bendix" and see what comes up.

What part number are you guys using for your 10 tooth bendix? I looked into this quite a while ago and found several conflicting part numbers, it would be nice to have accurate information in the tech library.

 

[ISX_15]

I've had the exact same issue with my 84 Bronco 2, and my issue has been the starter kept wanting to slide away from the flywheel, I'm guessing the torque of the starter was causing this. Last time I crawled under and straightened it out I really cranked the bolts down and so far in the past couple months its been fine ever since. So check and make sure your bolts are really tight, use some lock-tite if you have to so the bolts don't work lose, I ended up using some lock washers and lock-tite. The bottom bolt is also a through bolt now with lock washers and a self locking nut. Seems to be holding really good this way.

And yes the autozone starters are junk but that's all I could afford, and next trip to the junk yard I'm going to look for a ford starter.

i did your method, high strength lock tight and a damn breaker bar to tighten those screws down.
lemme tell you it worked like a charm for the first 4 cranks, then it just stopped working and just the solenoid clicks.
i did here at some point what it sounded like a quiet whine from the starter.
could my connections but i highly doubt that.

 

[wildbill23c]

i did your method, high strength lock tight and a damn breaker bar to tighten those screws down.
lemme tell you it worked like a charm for the first 4 cranks, then it just stopped working and just the solenoid clicks.
i did here at some point what it sounded like a quiet whine from the starter.
could my connections but i highly doubt that.

Bad starter, bad battery, loose or damaged battery cables, bad solenoid, hard to say.

 

[ISX_15]

Bad starter, bad battery, loose or damaged battery cables, bad solenoid, hard to say.

in my predicament i say my starter just went poof. it doesnt engage anymore aha

 

[wildbill23c]

in my predicament i say my starter just went poof. it doesnt engage anymore aha

Yep that'll happen occasionally, they kind of die after a while. That's what started my starter issue with my 84 Bronco 2 was the OEM starter failed and the replacements just never worked right, and after a few starts would just grind due to slipping out of place, funny the factory starter never did in 30 years, but the aftermarket ones just don't seem to work well with standard transmission vehicles for some reason and seems to be a common problem it seems.

 

[MadMax_636]

Havent read this thread 100% but Im gonna post some links to parts for the 10 tooth starter fix. The parts I used.

More Information for PURE ENERGY 3188N

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_6561137?keywordInput=bk+6561137

What you have to do is take the C-Clip off the end of the starter once you get it apart and then the drive gear will just come off.
Then put the new drive gear on and the C-Clip. What Id reccamend doing it putting a good amount of oil (I used left over CLEAN motor oil on the ends and on anything that moves/gets a lot wear) Just dont put it on the teeth.

 

[RangerStrom]

Mad Max thanks for the details. It fixed the starter grinding on my 2.9. The only thing you didn't mention was that it makes your Ford sound like a Mopar when it starts.

 

[MadMax_636]

Mad Max thanks for the details. It fixed the starter grinding on my 2.9. The only thing you didn't mention was that it makes your Ford sound like a Mopar when it starts.

Hahah, Mine doesn't sound like that. It sounds like it should haha.

Just take note, You want to tighten the shit out of the bolts/nuts and use thread locker. If you dont they starter will loosen and droop down and might cause damage to the teeth.

I just had to reseat my start because I didnt push it in the direction of the flywheel.

 

[Rustyoldranger]

So I have that exact same issue in my Ranger where the starter grinds. I have replaced the entire ignition system and starter and still no luck any ideas?

 

[franklin2]

So I have that exact same issue in my Ranger where the starter grinds. I have replaced the entire ignition system and starter and still no luck any ideas?

Did you read through this thread? It has a couple of ideas in it.

 

[Rustyoldranger]

Did you read through this thread? It has a couple of ideas in it.

Yup, but I think I might end up being the flywheel.

 

[franklin2]

Pull the starter and get a flashlight is about the only thing you can do to check it.

 

[brett387]

so, idk if you have the same issue as i do. but lossen the bolts just enough so the starter is loose against the transmission. check to see if you got a bit of wiggle room when you try to move it closer to the engine, and away from the engine. i had to put small shims in the bolt holds for the starter so it bolts closer to the flywheel. i guess mine loosened up over time, and even with it being tight tight, it would still push away from the flywheel. it actually started carving threads into i think the starter. ever since i did that, no issues with grinding, or the starter whining when it starts.