quick grind at startup

[MDPuckett84]

Hi,
lately i've been getting quick grinding noise immediately after start up, it only happens every so often (maybe once a week) and almost always in the morning after the X has been sitting for a while. Just guessing, i would say the starter might not be backing off the flywheel fast enough. However, i would imagine that would sound more like if you try to start a already running car, yet it isnt that high pitched. Does anyone else have idea's before i replace the starter? This is on a 2001 XLS 4x4, 4.0 sohc. auto
Thanks for the help,
Matthew

 

[FordLover]

been in the mud lately?

Mine will do this after I've been wheelin in some nasty stuff. If I wash the starter out, it will get better, but ultimatly the solution is to replace the starter.

 

[Interstate]

I've noticed the same thing with my X. It usually happens right after I put it in drive; though I do put it in gear very shortly after startup.

 

[MDPuckett84]

I did go into a little mud about 2 months ago. Maybe a dumb question but are you taking the starter off to clean it? i've never taken one off before so i dont know much about how it works and such. Sounds like i'll be replacing it though

 

[shifty1]

I agree, replace the starter.