Shredding sound during starting

[DarkrhaveN]

I've owned my 1993 Exploder for about four years, I'm very happy with it, but...

Okay so I've gotten this nasty shredding sound when I turn the key. Sounds like its coming from the starter.

It began right after my last oil change. I was considering the possibility that this was just the starter itself.

However I was also worried about this destroying my flywheel.

 

[Sunk]

Pull the starter and check the condition of the teeth on it and the flywheel. If they look fine, it's probably the starter itself.

 

[irishblessing]

do you overcrank your starter alot?

 

[DarkrhaveN]

On Occassion I over crank.. but this is like every once in awhile.. I'm praying this isn't the flywheel I don't have the cash to pull the motor and change it.

 

[unclemeat]

My 04 Ranger does it. My 96-Mustang did it, until I replaced the cluth and new flywheel. My bet is that that noise is the starter motor gear and the flywheel have an unpleasant disagreement.

 

[DarkrhaveN]

Got the new starter I'm praying this isn't the fly wheel. In the unlikely event its the flywheel, what do I do about replacing it ?

 

[Sunk]

Drop the tranny and remove the flywheel. You can replace just the teeth on the flywheel.

 

[DarkrhaveN]

I'm well versed but whats involved with dropping the transmission ? How long should it take ? ideally ?

 

[Sunk]

Bellhousing bolts, starter, drive-lines, speedo cable and 2 plugs on the t-case, and the tranny crossmember. It can be done in a couple hours, but may take longer if it's your first time on that vehicle. The top 2 and 2 side bolts on the bellhousing can be a PITA; I usually use a box-end wrench from the top but this can kill the knees as you kneel on the core support.

The driveshaft bolts should be 12mm 12pt on the rear, and the front should be T28 or T30 on the axle yoke.

 

[DarkrhaveN]

Doesn't sound too difficult, I have a shop with lifts and tools.. I'll get the schematic from the library and that'll be that. Thank you for your help, all of you. This forum was helpful 4 years ago and still helpful, thanks guys.

 

[Sunk]

It is straight forward, just takes some time. While the tranny is out, check the 3 shift rail plugs up by the shifter to see if they're leaking. It'd be a perfect time to replace them.

 

[kunar]

have you checked your starter yet? dont go and pull your trans when it could be something simple. be smart about it and do things in order.

 

[fastpakr]

Agreed. I wouldn't replace anything until I'd pulled the starter and looked at both it and the visible flywheel teeth.

 

[Sunk]

Got the new starter I'm praying this isn't the fly wheel. In the unlikely event its the flywheel, what do I do about replacing it ?

I figured from this he'd already determined it wasn't the starter.. If not, definitely check that though.

 

[DarkrhaveN]

Changed the starter this evening, thats what it was.. a little wear on the flywheel but nothing to be worried about. Thanks to everyone who replied, you guys made my night a lot better!