Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

Inspection 

1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to: Starter Motor .
2. Check the wear patterns on the starter motor drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, then install the starter motor. Refer to: Starter Motor .

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3. If the starter motor drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully engaging and the starter motor drive gear is scored or damaged, then install a new starter motor. Refer to: Starter Motor .
4. If the teeth on the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are scored or damaged, then install a new flywheel or flexplate. Refer to: Flexplate .