Starter screeches AFTER replacement

[fordfan66]

After replacing a starter on my '99 Expedition (5.4L, 4WD), the NEW starter screeches about a third of the time I start it. Starter came from Pep Boys. Should I loosen the bolts and push the starter over in one direction or another before tightening? I had just mounted the top bold (which you have to do blind) and then attached the lower 2 bolts and nuts.

It did not screech before the older starter died. It just clicked for a while then finally would not start.

 

[Yudaman]

Might need to be more specific...
Does the screech sound like a dry bushing? If you pull the starter and dry run it outside of the vehicle does it still make the noise? If so, take that baby back!

 

[fordfan66]

Its definitely the solonoid not engaging and spinning. Like it extends but is blocked and spins instead of engaging. Its the same kind of sound when teeth are missing or an old starter isn't extending enough.

This happended to a '98 Expedition with 5.4L, but only screeches once maybe every 2 months. That one is the same brand, which is why I suspect how I put it in stead of missing flywheel teeth. Either is possible.

THIS '99 has 2 bolts INSTEAD of fully threaded holes at the two starter bolts had to be drilled out. But sume threads on THIS '99 Expedition we are mainly talking about are still there. So 2 longer than normal starter bolts are used in the lower 2 positions until relatively tight, then a lock washer and nut are used on the back side. The bolts and nuts came from another engine are are strong and hardened.

UPDATE: Just tried to start it and it fired right up. When it started screeching, it was the day after I put the starter in. After I drove it for 30 mins, and parked it for 1 min, that was the first screech. Then I ran it for another 20 mins. Parked it for 15 mins, and then when I tried to start it again, screeched once then started. Not sure if it's related to heat or luck. I am reluctant to drive it anywhere until I think about re-adjusting the starter, but not sure which way to tilt it if anywhere. When I put it in, I just hung it off the top bolt (which was intact and you have to put in blind), then connected the bottom 2 bolt and nuts.

 

[Lightnig]

Sounds to me like it is not properly aligned.

Unfortunately, I have never changed a starter on a modular engine, so I do not have tips or insight to provide - sorry. I know older engines often needed a shim or spacer to move the nose back from the ring gear, but I don't even know if that is possible with these engines.

 

[99EB4x4]

Starter replacement

After I swapped my starter the gear would not kick back in after letting go of the key. And I dont mean the starter was still energized and trying to start but the gear would stay kicked out. The screeching is the gear freewheeling faster than its intented to go while the starters not actually cranking. Took it back they bench tested it and said its fine. But even though that test machine said it was fine we saw the gear would only retract sometimes. I swapped it out and it fixed it. Good luck on that top bolt. you need an socket extension thats just the right length otherwise its a nightmare.