click, click, grind!

[BIG REED]

i have a '92 explorer. most times it starts up fine, but around 1 of 5 or so starts, mostly when its the first start of the day, i can hear what i think is a solednoid click, i try again - sometimes it will start up. but sometimes i have to hit the key several times (clicking each time) to get it start. and sometimes the starter will grind the flywheel instead of clicking.

so far if i keep trying it will start eventually, but its getting kinda old.
any ideas on what i should try?

 

[Tbars4]

sounds like a week bendix in your starter...time for a new starter????

 

[BIG REED]

thats kinda what i was thinking, but w/ the price of a starter at ~$160 i didnt want to get one if i could avoid it since i got the whole thing for $800.

my explorer = pile of 5 starters

 

[Tbars4]

you can get them for a little cheaper at autozone, shucks, etc...120 bucks and there is always the junkyard to look for a newer used one...

 

[BP_93explorer]

Last time I experienced bad clicking was because of corroded battery wires. When it would click like that I could go to the terminals and wiggle them and it would start right up. After replacing the wires and terminals I've had no clicking. That was about 6 months ago.

 

[Tony H]

May want to pull the starter down and see if the shaft that the gear slides up on is full of Gack.

Clean the connection at the starter...the big one.

 

[BIG REED]

well today it just grinds, no more click, im going to pick up a starter on the way home tonight and hopefully get it fixed