Starting issue

[coolblue65]

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]

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]

sounds like the actuator in the motor isnt kicking the gear out, probably just replace the starter.

 

[garystocker]

sounds like the actuator in the motor isnt kicking the gear out, probably just replace the starter.

agreed!

 

[xoxbxfx]

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]

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]

Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.

 

[coolblue65]

Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.

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]

Why mini? Get a rebuilt unit in a FORD housing, or get yours rebuilt.

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]

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!!)

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]

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]

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]

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 ?

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]

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