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Starting issue

  • Thread starter Thread starter coolblue65
  • Start date Start date Jul 2, 2007

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Jul 2, 2007
#1
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #1
I went to go for a ride yesterday morning and when I went to start the car I could hear the starter spinning, but it was not cranking the engine. This is a new problem, the starter is pretty much the only thing I did not replace when I put in my 347.

But I am not sure if the problem is the starter or the the box on the fendor.

So what are everyones thoughts?
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
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109
LA, CA
Jul 2, 2007
#2
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #2
If the starter is spinning but not cranking the motor then the starter motor relay should still be good. Just to make sure, have a buddy crank the car while you check the voltage out of the relay with a multimeter. Otherwise it is most likely a problem with the starter.
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Jul 2, 2007
#3
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #3
sounds like the actuator in the motor isnt kicking the gear out, probably just replace the starter.
 

garystocker

Member
Jan 2, 2005
305
0
17
New Jersey
Jul 2, 2007
#4
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #4
iskwezm said:
sounds like the actuator in the motor isnt kicking the gear out, probably just replace the starter.
Click to expand...

agreed!
 

xoxbxfx

Founding Member
May 9, 2001
3,959
0
0
Southlake, TX
Jul 2, 2007
#5
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #5
I agree...replace the starter...you could try banging on it with a mallet to see if it helps, but you will probably need to replace it in the end.
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Jul 2, 2007
#6
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #6
Since it seems unanimous, I am looking at these two starters, and I am having trouble deciding which one is the right one for me, considering my car was a 289 with a 3-speed manual, then I switched to the 5-speed, then I put in the late model 347 with the 5-speed, and the whole time I was using the same starter.

So what is the difference between these two??

Starter - Ford Mini for 289-302-351W/C AT & 5-speed M/T

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_413331_-1



Starter - Ford Mini for 289-302-351W/C 3 & 4-speed M/T ONLY

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_413332_-1
 

garystocker

Member
Jan 2, 2005
305
0
17
New Jersey
Jul 2, 2007
#7
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #7
Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Jul 2, 2007
#8
  • Jul 2, 2007
  • #8
garystocker said:
Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.
Click to expand...

Because, I have long tube headers and the big starter is really tight which makes it a pain to get in and out and prone to heat soak, plus my car is lowered in the front so the steering linkage will some times give a love tap to the starter. Lastly, I can't tell you how many 'rebuilt' starters I have put in my stang over the years. I am amazed this one has lasted as long as it has - which is probably only because I have barely driven it in the last 2 years!!)
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
37
109
LA, CA
Jul 3, 2007
#9
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #9
garystocker said:
Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.
Click to expand...

Because mini-starters are AWESOME. Ford switched to a mini-starter design in the 90s. They are more efficient. They put out more crank power with less battery draw and they are lighter wieght. Its straight up win/win.
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Jul 3, 2007
#10
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #10
coolblue65 said:
Because, I have long tube headers and the big starter is really tight which makes it a pain to get in and out and prone to heat soak, plus my car is lowered in the front so the steering linkage will some times give a love tap to the starter. Lastly, I can't tell you how many 'rebuilt' starters I have put in my stang over the years. I am amazed this one has lasted as long as it has - which is probably only because I have barely driven it in the last 2 years!!)
Click to expand...
I used to have the same problem and went through a few starters.I finally got a "cheap" one from Kragens and has been on the car for about 7 years now, no problems with heat soak and long tubes either. i think its just luck of the draw when buying a rebuilt starter.
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Jul 3, 2007
#11
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #11
so can anyone tell me what the difference between those two starters i posted is? I can't seem to find a solid answer.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
37
109
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Jul 3, 2007
#12
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #12
One of them is for 157 tooth flywheel any the other is for a 164 tooth flywheel. What trans do you have in your car ?
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Jul 3, 2007
#13
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #13
Rusty67 said:
One of them is for 157 tooth flywheel any the other is for a 164 tooth flywheel. What trans do you have in your car ?
Click to expand...

Thats what I figured but it doesn't seem to say which is which.

I have a Tremec 3550 and a 157 tooth flywheel.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
37
109
LA, CA
Jul 3, 2007
#14
  • Jul 3, 2007
  • #14
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_413331_-1
 
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