1994 Ford F-150 starting problems

RMESECHER

MEMBER
1994 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Sometimes in the the starter will not engage. It makes a click sound ounce when you turn the key. After shifting several times or letting it set for awhile it will start making a rough metal grinding sound. Sometimes it will start but it makes the metal grinding sound. I can drive and make several stops and starts with no problems or noises from the starter or transmission, it only happens when it is not run for a day. The starter was replaced in April by Ford and the Transmission was replaced last year by Ford. I don't understand why it works fine when warmed up but cold starting gives me problems.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 1:46 PM

3 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Sounds like when the starter is cold, the drive isn't engaging the flywheel far enough. Did you have this problem before the starter was changed in April? When Ford changed the starter, did they mention any damage to the teeth on the flywheel? Also, Is this per chance a diesel?

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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 3:23 PM

RMESECHER

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1 POST

No it is not a diesel. 5.0ltr
They did not mention any thing about the transmission or the flywheel.

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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 6:16 PM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Well, it comes down to 2 things. A bad starter drive, a bad ring gear on the flywheel, or both. If this problem didn't exist before the starter was changed, I would change starters and in doing so, take a careful look at the teeth on the flywheel. If the teeth are not already damaged, they soon will be if the condition is allowed to continue. Hope this helps.

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Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 AT 12:36 PM