Question Starting issue

[Kellen]

Ok, My 7.3 doesn't start sometimes (it's intermittently). It sounds like the pinion gear on the starter isn't engaging the flexplate all of the way or the flexplate is missing some teeth on the ring gear.

When I go to start it and it makes the grinding noise I'll turn the ignition off and try to start it again. usually it starts with out any problems. anyone ever heard of something like this? It doesn't make any sense. Why would it not work then the next time I try to start it, it's fine?

Forgot to add that my truck has: Bully Dog tuner, Banks intercooler, 4" exhaust. if that makes any difference.

 

[BJS]

That's not a completely uncommon problem, there is the possibility that the starter is not moving the starter gear out completely. You can pull the torque converter cover off on the bottom of the bellhousing and visually inspect the ring gear.

There are some problems occasionally with broken flexplates which could in theory give you similar problems but they usually show up as vibrations at idle.

 

[Kellen]

Thank you! I'm going to go pull the starter in a few. I'll report back what I find.

 

[Kellen]

Ok. Starter seems fine I energized it about 15 times and it measured the same each time. The ring gear on the flexplate is a little scuffed but, all teeth are intact. Am I insane? I'm going to take this starter back to Ford (where my buddy works) and see if he can get me a new starter or maybe diagnose what is wrong with this one. BJS thank you for your response!

 

[JLDickmon]

the starter uses an over-running clutch in the drive.. it's not uncommon for these to fail..