Classic/Antique Car Repair/1967 Thunderbird

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Expert: - 9/26/2008


Question
Hi. My starter makes a loud grinding sound on occassion when I start the car. I assume I need a new starter. Until I replace it, will it do any damage to the engine in any way? I checed to see if I could replace it myself but there's one bolt that looks impossible to get to. Any advice? Thanks!

Answer
The problem is probably the starter drive. It might be grinding on the edge of the flywheel gear teeth and I would get it changed as soon as possible. The top bolt on the starter, and I assume that is the one that you are talking about, can be reached using a swivel, universal, socket on an 18 inch extension and a 3/8ths drive ratchet. You can snake this in between the motor mount and the top of the starter and loosen that bolt.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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