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Grinding noise??? 2003 3.0L

S

steve w

New member
I have a 2003 3.0L that started making this grinding sound (really excruciating and hard to explain) periodically when I started the motor last year. When I got ready to take it out for the 1st time this year, it did it again real bad and I ended up replaceing the starter. It's still doing it, not while it's cranking, but as soon as it fires. I will be taking the starter off next to inspect the flywheel. Anyone have any other ideas of what it might be?
 
Re: Grinding noise???

Welcome aboard Steve. Is this during starting then goes away or when it's running? If when running, try removing the drive and start it for a couple of minutes to see if the noise is still there and report back. Could be gimbal bearing.
 
Re: Grinding noise???

May i add i would also use a alignment bar after checking the gimbel and the u-joint.

Drive oil has no metal pieces ?
 
Re: Grinding noise???

If it only happens during starting it sounds like you need to shim your starter.The starter gear may be binding in the ring gear on the flywheel and getting stuck there for a short period after the engine fires. Did you replace the starter with a good quality marine starter?
 
Re: Grinding noise???

check the mounting bolts if loose tighten em up.

Did you use the bracket, to the motor on the new starter.
 
Re: Grinding noise???

I don't know what bracket your referring to, but, after inspecting the flywheel, it looks damaged also. We are pulling the motor now to replace the flywheel. Is it cheaper to buy the ring gear and have it pressed on to the flywheel or would you suggest getting the whole thing new. Also, don't know what caused this all to happen, but want to make sure it don't happen again.

Thanks again for all the input.
 
Re: Grinding noise???

I would check to see whether you're ingesting water. I've seen this wreck ring gears before. Manifolds or exhaust shutters are suspects. Of course a fussy starter could do damage also.
 
Re: Grinding noise???

When you bought the new starter, did it come with an instruction sheet and a shim pack? Not sure on your set up but a lot of replacement starters come this way now and clearance between starter drive gear and ring gear can be critical.Not enough clearance and they hang up(stay engaged after motor starts ) or too much clearance and you can bust teeth off the ring gear.
 
Re: Grinding noise???

There is a bracket that goes from the front of the starter to the motor.

With out the bracket the bolts will vibrate loose and then snap leaving the threeads in the block.

Blow torch the ring gear or cut it off when you get a new one place it in the oven at 350 for a hour or more and place the flywheel in the freezer for a hour or 2 and then the ring gear will go on easier.

Make the bracket and install it or you will be in a world a hurt latter.
 
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