Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTER MOTOR .
Check the wear patterns on the starter drive and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTER MOTOR .

Fig 1: Checking Wear Patterns On Starter Drive Gear And Flexplate Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are milled or damaged, install a new flywheel or flexplate and a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 6.7L DIESEL and STARTER MOTOR .

Fig 2: Inspecting Starter Drive Gear And Flexplate Ring Gear For Damage
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.