Calling all mechanics!

[Goldeneagle]

Now before Smart replies with some of his "words of wisdom", this is NOT my vehicle. I'm trying to help a widow woman a couple of houses down. She is on fixed income and cannot afford a mechanic right now. Now on to the problem. She has a 2000 Ford Explorer that the starter grinds on the flywheel every now and then. Not all the time, but enough it needs to be addressed. When it does this, you can turn the key off and try again and it starts right up like normal. I had the battery checked to make sure it wasn't an amp problem. It checked out fine. I'm leaning towards the bendix not working properly. What do y'all think?

[kcnatural]

May need to shim the starter. Im not a mechanic by the way.

[TejasNW]

(not a mechanic by trade) That was my first thought as I read. The bendix spring is getting 'sticky'. One can pull the starter and put it on a 12v source on the bench. By hitting to post on the back of the start you can watch the bendix engage and spin. It will also show if it is dragging or sticking on return. That is a fairly inexpensive test to confirm the part.

[MASTERS]

(not a mechanic by trade) That was my first thought as I read. The bendix spring is getting 'sticky'. One can pull the starter and put it on a 12v source on the bench. By hitting to post on the back of the start you can watch the bendix engage and spin. It will also show if it is dragging or sticking on return. That is a fairly inexpensive test to confirm the part.

X2

[Goldeneagle]

May need to shim the starter. Im not a mechanic by the way.

I've never seen a Ford starter with shims.

I think I'll put a new starter on it for her this weekend.

[breese]

Check to make sure the starter isn't loose or has a broken mounting bolt.

[Reaper87]

Put a starter on it and inspect the flywheel for busted or badly worn teeth to make sure it's not damaged.

[Goldeneagle]

Put a starter on it and inspect the flywheel for busted or badly worn teeth to make sure it's not damaged.

Oh I'll check the flywheel for sure.

[kabob]

could be the coil for the bendix or the starter solenoid I would manually energize the bendix coil to see if its moving in and out properly and check flywheel could have some bad spots

[Goldeneagle]

could be the coil for the bendix or the starter solenoid I would manually energize the bendix coil to see if its moving in and out properly and check flywheel could have some bad spots

In past experiences with bad spots on the flywheel, if it was bad enough the bendix gear would not get a bite, your stuck until you move the flywheel. This one acts like it is just not engaging all the time.

[Pedernal]

In past experiences with bad spots on the flywheel, if it was bad enough the bendix gear would not get a bite, your stuck until you move the flywheel. This one acts like it is just not engaging all the time.

I had a truck that had flywheel wear in a certain spot that would cause it to grind. it seemed to get worse with time like the starter or something was causing more damage to the flywheel. Eventually it seemed like all too often I would have issues starting it until I had the fly wheel replaced.

[Fordtough68]

You are correct. No shims on that starter. Slap a new starter on and roll on!

[Tmag]

Your a good man Randy, thanks for helping the widows.

[Goldeneagle]

Your a good man Randy, thanks for helping the widows.

She's a really nice gal even though her husband was the county sheriff back in the '70's. I knew him very well. She makes a great pear pie too!

[Tmag]

She's a really nice gal even though her husband was the county sheriff back in the '70's. I knew him very well. She makes a great pear pie too!

We have a few in our church that a lot of our men have helped out with home repairs and other necessities, His Word tells us that is what we are supposed to do.

Thanks again for doing what you do.