I am having some problems with my starter on a 1976 F-150 with a 390 4x4 4 speed.

Just got a new starter and put it in after the old one died. Seems like it might not be throwing in far enough to catch the teeth. It kind of sounds like its grinding when I try to crank it. I pulled it had it tested (came back fine) and it still does it. I also seem to have toasted the solenoid (brand new too) but I will confirm that tomorrow if I have time. You guys think I should tell them to give me a new starter anyway? Or is there something else I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance.

 

Be sure you got the right starter - there is likely a difference in bendix gear throw lengths between the manual and auto tranny versions.

 

It might be good to see if there was a change in starter at some point in that year. I had a mustang 1977 and had a similar, if not identical, problem. There was a change in that year or the year before, and the one that the parts manual said should not have fit it was the right one. Sometimes the applications listed in the parts books may be a little off.

If you have the old one it would be good to take it back to compare.

 

Do the starters on some of the older vehicles need to be shimmed??

 

Thanks guys. I dont have the old starter anymore... bummer. They did look alike but you never know if one is off a little. I will make some phone calls tomorrow and see if I can get it figured out.

 

the shims are a good idea to start, how are your connections to the solenid along w/ the wire and also i don't know if its a man or auto, but check your flywheel, flexplate, etc etc good luck keep us posted