2.9 starter grinding when cold outside

[Mylesp30]

My 1989 ford ranger is starting to make a grinding noise when cooler outside but it turns right over. Having several problems out with starter grinding in last several months and this is the 2 starter in 5 months and 5th starter in 4 years and it’s getting old don’t know what else to do. Have had many people ask about the plate between the starter and transmission and it is fine from what I can tell

 

[franklin2]

The plate aligns the starter. The starter holes where the bolts go through and hold it on are very large. The bolts will let the starter slide away from the flywheel. That is the plate's job, to hold the starter tightly in one spot.

Loosen the starter bolts just slightly, and then see if you can move the starter back and forth on the bellhousing. If you can, your plate is worn out. As you use the starter, it slowly drifts away from the flywheel and then it starts to grind.

P.S. What I have also seen happen, there will be a oil leak on the engine that runs down in the starter area. This oil leak gathers dirt and grime, and then when the weather gets cold, the oily grimy mess get's stiff and it's difficult for the starter to overcome this on a cold morning. But you said your starter is not very old, so I am doubting this is the problem.

 

[Mylesp30]

The plate aligns the starter. The starter holes where the bolts go through and hold it on are very large. The bolts will let the starter slide away from the flywheel. That is the plate's job, to hold the starter tightly in one spot.

Loosen the starter bolts just slightly, and then see if you can move the starter back and forth on the bellhousing. If you can, your plate is worn out. As you use the starter, it slowly drifts away from the flywheel and then it starts to grind.

Is there anything you can do to fix this without replacing the plate?

 

[Mylesp30]

I shimmed the starter and it will start now cause it had gotten to where it wouldn’t start but it still grinds.

 

[Mylesp30]

I have also seen on message boards from years ago that swapping the starter gear to a 90 escort starter gear has fixed some people’s problems. Anyone have any experience with that?

 

[franklin2]

I have also seen on message boards from years ago that swapping the starter gear to a 90 escort starter gear has fixed some people’s problems. Anyone have any experience with that?

I have heard of that also on some old threads. I guess you are basically making the gear larger so when the starter falls away it still engages. If you pull the starter off again, see if the teeth are damaged on it. If they are, maybe you can get another starter and shim it, and maybe it will last. When the starter moves away and starts grinding see if it's damaging it.

 

[Mylesp30]

Any idea how hard it is to replace the starter gear?

 

[Mylesp30]

The gear doesn’t look bad but I feel like the nose bushing (I’m hoping I called it the right thing) seems like it may be shot. Could that cause a problem with it?

 

[franklin2]

Certainly could if it let the gear move to the side too much.