Topic: starter issues

[zebo87]

ok so i have had some starter problems for some time now. at first it was i noticed the starter was coming loose. after replacing the starter i didnt have any problems for a little bit. then it started again. i noticed the starter was loose again. upon further investigation i noticed the bottom hole in the bell housing was a little stripped. so i bored it out and re-tapped it bigger to the same size as the top one. then i bought a powermaster mini starter and had to put a shim on it. it did okay for a while but it sounded like it still was grinding for maybe a second before starting. i have checked the flywheel everytime i changed the starter and its fine. i went to start it today after 5 days of sitting(out of town). well it was grinding bad and sounded like it was loose. i reached under the car to try to shake it but it wouldnt move. i am going to jack it up tomorrow to look more in depth but i was wondering if anyone had any ideas why it still grinds some. thanks in advance. i really need to get it figured out because i think i have to drive it to virginia in 2 weeks. thanks again guys.

[Soaring]

If I was away from home, I think I would call the local Ford dealership and have them fix it. 

[zebo87]

this whole problem has been on going for at least a year. i really hate taking it to the dealer too. im also getting ready to move from ct to va and dont need any more expenses.

[Soaring]

I can't help you with your expenses, but I can suggest that you need to have your car repaired by a pro. 

[zebo87]

after pulling the starter the gear was ground some only on about half. so i pullued the spark plugs and rotated the crank to look at the fltwheel. it looks fine, no grinding or nics or anything. i had the gear replaced on the starter. i have about an 1/8 inch shim on it. i wonder if i have to get a thinner one.

[rmodel65]

why does the powermaster starter have a shim??

[zebo87]

after talking to one of the guys at the auto part store they suggested i try a shim because the new starter was having problems at first. today i talked to the local starter expert and he told me to take the shim off. so tomorrow i will try it again.

[zebo87]

does anyone know the number of teeth on the stock flywheel?

[rmodel65]

157 for the t5 and 164 for the auto iirc

[zebo87]

ok thanks. i got it back running this morning. i wanted to know just in case i have to change the flywheel. thanks again guys.