So every once in awhile, though it is getting more frequent than not now, my starter just kind of doesn't work.
It really sounds like the starter is spinning but the appendix isn't coming out to contact the flywheel, is this possible?
If that is the case can it be rebuilt or am I looking at a new starter type of cost.
Oh and every time this happens if I let the starter stop spinning and hit the key it fires up in an instant, faster than just a regular start.
Thanks for any help guys.

 

You need to replace the starter drive. It is easy to do if you know how to do it. About ten to fifteen dollars for the drive, many times it is called the bendix. It's not available from Ford, but many auto parts stores will have it available.

 

So it is just the like 16 dollar rebuild kit LMC offers, although I am going to tear down the starter and make sure everything else is good too. I have quick access to an expert starter re-builder and parts so it shouldn't be too bad.
Thanks massey.

 

This is just one piece, no kit to it. It contains the gear at the back of starter that meshs with the flywheel. I have replaced this piece, and this piece only, on many starters, doing nothing else but lubricating a couple spots. With 100% success.

 

Sounds good. I'll order one into advanced then.

 

It's "Bendix". Check the lower R of this diagram:

 

Not sure where you are at in PA, but where I grew up there were enough hills to pop a clutch for when the "appendix" doesn't bendix anymore.

Adrianspeeder

 

Appendix bendix, pish posh. I'm a med student not a mechanic haha.
But yeah there are plenty of hill to pop a clutch and lots of other truck to gimme a rollin start if needed.
For the first time today it did the little whirring twice in a row. Guess I'll be taking the starter off here soon.

 

...and you don't know the difference between an appendix & a truck part?!?!?!?!

 

I said a med student not a doctor duhh :o
I just got the words a little confused.

 

Russo, this is probably a delayed issue from the swim test. It is probably full of junk too.

But ya you probably need a new spandex too !

 

One note of caution when you take the starter apart, make sure the armature(the long shaft that runs all the way through the starter with windings on the front) stays against the front of the housing. If the armature comes back a little ways and it slips out of the brushes it's a real fun time getting it back in the brushes. You would probably need to gain access to that expert starter rebuilder you mentioned.

 

The spandex! I completely forgot about the spandex! I'll change that out immedietly, must of lost it's stretch!
But seriously it took 4 tried to get it to start this morning so saturday it's coming out.
I forgot about the 'swim test' and I think I failed that one.
I really think it's from the ignition sticking open and the new flywheel maybe.
I watched a video on rebuilding these starters and that armature does not look like fun. But if it is full of the good stuff like the horns and intake and tb were it might need to come apart anyway.

 

It seems this part is harder to come by than I expected, at least without ordering online. So I hit up the rock auto Index while wearing my spandex to find the bendix in their appendix.
Sorry for the Dr. Suess moment it just seemed right. But I did order the bendix from rock auto last night, ordered this http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=42475
9 bucks for the part and 6 for shipping. Not too bad in my opinion.
I also looked it up and the starter in my truck was rebuilt in june of 08 so it was either a bad rebuild or something I did destroyed it.

 

I just might put money on that..........