86 2.9 4x4 starter problems! NEED HELP!!

[86rang4X4]

i just bought a 1986 2.9, 5 speed fm145 trans, 4x4, with starter problems. the starter grinds every time I try to start it. from what I read, this is a common problem. my flywheel is new and I'm on my second starter both new. second one I put a 10 tooth gear in it which did not fix the problem. I ovaled the bolt hole on the top so I can move the starter closer to the starter and still nothing. I have no idea what else to do! I really really need this fixed ASAP!!! thanks in advanced!!

 

[faststang90]

Is the shim plate in between the motor and transmission ? I know my v8 motor has a plate


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[Shran]

Modifying the mounting hole was a really stupid idea. That's what causes 99% of the starter issues in these trucks.

I would make sure that you have the correct starter to begin with and not a starter for an automatic. They are different but the bolt pattern is the same. You also need to make sure that the block plate is in place between the engine and trans, and not destroyed, and that the bendix gear on the starter fully engages and detracts smoothly.

Don't destroy your bellhousing any further please.

 

[Terry]

My starter did that a destroyed my flywheel gear. What I figured out was that the plate between the trans and motor had worn some low spots where the starter sits. You can bolt it up and it will work for a short time then move back to the worn spots. This fix is cheap an easy. The plate slid most likely bent, straighten it. Go to the hardware store or auto parts store. Buy some liquid metal. Clean the area on the plate where the starter bolts.mine even had a worn spot where the starter goes into the housing. Apply thin coats of liquid metal on the worn areas. File and sand it until the surface is flat. This will take a few coats. Once the low spots are flat, bolt up the starter. No more problem.

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[faststang90]

You can see the page I got this from in the picture

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[86rang4X4]

Yes the plate is between the motor and the trans and it was bent up. so what I did was cut it off around the starter and got the ford spacer plate to put between the starter and bellhousing.

I did not mod the holes on the bell housing. just the holes on the starter. I do have the correct starter according to every parts store I go to. they continue to tell me that the fm145 trans auto and man trans were the same starter... which I don't believe... but I cant find any other starter.

and now that I said all that I did find a starter that has a shorter cone than the other one. I put it in and it wont even touch the flywheel... but the gear didn't seem to sit inside the housing like the pics show... anyone have a NAPA, Auto Zone, or Advanced auto part number for the correct starter?