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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: ToniJ1960 on December 04, 2014, 03:21:29 PM

Title: 78 starter motor now
Post by: ToniJ1960 on December 04, 2014, 03:21:29 PM
 Well when it rains :(
now the starter motor is gone out I guess. I started the car it died (cold) tried to start it again just got a whine. I tried again it started. Turned it off try to start it again just the whine again. Didnt turn the motor after the first time it whined so Im guessing its not the flywheel just the starter?

 Lights dimmed some but I don think its the battery.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: jonz2pinto on December 04, 2014, 07:48:10 PM
Sounds like the bendix is not kicking starter gear out to engage flywheel.somet imes  a starter will have a rubber plug on bendix cover.remove it and use something to push down on it before engaging starter motor.the access plug is rare,maybe just commercial trucks.I only seen two with in my life.also I have seen a little extra juice will help but not too often.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: amc49 on December 04, 2014, 09:56:36 PM
Starter bendix is dead or bad teeth on flywheel...... .............. if you press hard enough at the parts store they should be able to supply you with just bendix alone and saves quite a bit. You may have to harass them though, they all want to sell complete starter now.

Assuming positive drive starter, if PMGR type then solenoid or throwout arm can be fudged too.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: dick1172762 on December 04, 2014, 10:46:33 PM
Could be a loose starter too.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: ToniJ1960 on December 04, 2014, 10:51:51 PM
 I bought this car when it was 8 years old and never had the starter or alternator changed so I guess it was due.

 Is it possible the battery could be just a little weak? Maybe ill charge it up first.

 In over 28 years the car only failed to start a few times.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: amc49 on December 05, 2014, 12:11:34 AM
http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums/5-0-mustangs/145886-starter-wire-issue.html

Go to post #14 and the pic there, look toward right hand side for part called 'starter drive', the bendix. On its' left side you can barely see a coil spring around the body, the spring gets weak and drive then begins to not engage and only whines. Worn teeth lead to the same.  Can replace one in starter in maybe five minutes once starter is off car. Provided of course you can get the part. I'd make a guess at $20 for part, I remember when they were like $6-$7.
Title: Re: 78 starter motor now
Post by: jonz2pinto on December 06, 2014, 02:54:17 PM
If bad teeth on flex plate/flywheel just turn engine a little by hand and see if it engages.loose starter could mess teeth on flex/fly or on starter. if you have a extra set of eyes remove inspection plate/dust shield to have qiuick look.unplug coil first to avoid an accident if you try starter with someone looking while under vehicle. check cables also for loose connections.us ually though bendix like out first if it is working.