Experiencing a screeching noise when starting your vehicle can be concerning. Recently, I encountered this issue with my Excursion. Every start, for the first few seconds, was accompanied by an awful screech, before running normally. After some online research, focusing on common issues like loose starter bolts, I decided to investigate and potentially replace my starter motor, opting for a readily available Starter Motor Autozone offered. This article details my experience, from diagnosing the initial problem to installing a new starter motor from Autozone, highlighting the key steps and considerations for anyone facing similar starter issues.
Initially, suspecting loose starter bolts, a common culprit for starter noise, I checked them. True enough, the top bolt on my remanufactured 2-bolt starter was indeed loose. Tightening both bolts to the torque specified in the Haynes manual (18 ft-lbs) did improve the situation, reducing the screech to just 1-2 seconds. However, it was clear the starter was not disengaging quickly or quietly, signaling it was time for a replacement.
When it came to sourcing a new starter motor, Autozone stood out as the only local parts store with immediate availability. Other stores required several days to order one in stock. This led me to choose a brand new, not remanufactured, Gold-Duralast Starter (p/n DLG3201S) from Autozone, which came with a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind for the future.
The new Autozone starter motor paperwork indicated compatibility between 2-bolt and 3-bolt starters, and helpfully, the new unit included an additional bolt for 3-bolt applications, providing flexibility during installation. My original starter was a 2-bolt design, and the new Duralast starter was a 3-bolt type. Comparing the old and new units revealed a key difference: the 3-bolt Autozone starter motor appeared to be a direct drive, while the old 2-bolt starter seemed to be a gear reduction type. While both are interchangeable, understanding these differences can be helpful for informed decision-making.
Physically comparing the old and new starters side-by-side highlighted the design variations and wear on the old component. The images below illustrate these differences, providing a visual comparison of the two units before installation.
Installation of the new Autozone starter motor was straightforward. However, a time-consuming step was cleaning the threaded bolt holes in the engine block with a 10mm x 1.5 tap, as they were binding. A tip for easier installation is to install the top bolt first, which seemed to alleviate binding issues for the subsequent bolts.
During the starter replacement, I also inspected the flex plate teeth. While a more thorough inspection is planned, initial observation revealed some beveled teeth near the starter location. This wear could potentially be from engaging the starter while the engine was already running. Assessing the extent of this damage is crucial for long-term vehicle health.
Post-installation of the starter motor Autozone provided, the truck now starts without any screeching noise. This successful replacement resolved the initial problem.
In conclusion, replacing my old starter with a new starter motor from Autozone effectively eliminated the screeching noise and restored reliable starting. Choosing a readily available Autozone starter motor ensured a quick fix, and the lifetime warranty offers long-term assurance. While some questions remain regarding the optimal torque specs and the long-term impact of the flex plate wear, the immediate issue of the noisy starter has been successfully resolved with a quality part from Autozone.
