Starter problems
 

I just put my engine back together today on my 62. I tried to start it and it cranked and almost fired, I tried a couple more times without success and the starter stopped working. When I tried again the starter started making a whining noise so I stopped. I tried again later with the same sound. I checked the terminals and they were fine. The battery was good as well. Any ideas what my problem could be? Thanks.
Nik

Re: Starter problems
 

I'm no expert on the subject but I've had starter issues before. Have you tried banging (carefully) on the starter? Sometimes they freeze up and banging on it will break it loose. If I'm correct, and I may not be, if that's the case then I think it means it's on it's way out anyway and you'll want to have it rebuilt or get a new one. Is it a manual tranny? Can you try push starting to see if that gets it going? May isolate the issue. The starter on the Falcon I used to have died, brought it to a local shop and had it rebuilt and she was as good as new. I'm sure someone else can provide more insight.

Re: Starter problems
 

It's a manual but I can't push start it because my clutch slave is leaking

Re: Starter problems
 

Check it and make sure it didn't come loose. It also might have to be shimmed. Might be to close to the flywheel. Unless it is not mounted to the block. Hard to tell without really hearing it.

Re: Starter problems
 

It could be a bad solenoid, not kicking the starter gear into the flywheel.

Re: Starter problems
 

If its whining its the starter turning but not engaging....not an uncommon problem around older engines. If any oil has gotten into the starter those problems will occur. I'd take and get it rebuilt. Though Napa or Autozone may be able to get one for a good price as well. You can test or have them test it with a battery to see if its not engaging.

Re: Starter problems
 

I pulled the starter off and bench tested it. Worked fine cleaned up all the connections and painted it. when I put it back on the same problem happened again, the starter was working but the solenoid wasn't engaging.

Re: Starter problems
 

Starter drive gear is shot. I have replaced them before but I gave up doing it since these complete starters are priced under $50 at Autozone.
A rebuild here cost about the same and they leave the same old parts so it's best to get one at the local auto parts stores.

Re: Starter problems
 

Forgot to mention... Bench testing will not show a slipping starter gear drive. The gear has a one way internal clutch which locks the gear when turning the engine and slips turning it backwards.

Re: Starter problems
 

Messed around with the starter again today and tested it the way you bech test one, while it was bolted on and it worked. I determined that it is the ignition switch or wiring or connections because it is not getting enough power.

Re: Starter problems
 

I've had them chatter when the battery is weak or starter doesn't get enough voltage and I've also had them make the whining sound when the starter bushings are worn. The armature (the part that turns) rubs against the field coils (internal wiring coils) and it won't allow the armature to turn and it just hums.

As you mentioned the ignition should be checked. It has been known to go bad and do weird things electrically but if the starter does the same thing a rebuilder can replace the bushings, solenoid and starter gear. Unless you want to keep the original starter and want to keep it completely stock with original parts, I would just buy the complete starter. Might be cheaper.