Starter Solenoid

[SmittySTX]

My truck will start up fine but then the starter motor makes a horrible grinding noise like its still engaged. It seems like the starter motor is not disengaging, is this due to a defective relay?

 

[redneckmustang]

It is possible. put the starter of the truck leaving all the wires hooked up and crank it over and see if the starter gear disengages. It sound to me like the spring in the starter is bad.

 

[Earl43P]

That won't work unless you GROUND the starter.

I'd take it apart and clean the bendix gear assembly, then lightly lube it with Lubriplate.

Or, replace the starter. Most AP stores will test a starter for free. Ask around.

You do want to get this fixed right away. I obtained a free 93 2.3 because the flywheel teeth were chipped off, so the starter would grind but not spin the engine. Flywheel is ~$70, but you have to pull the tranny to replace it. When you pull the starter, inspect the ring gear teeth. Mine had DOZENS of teeth missing and chipped.