My starter is making a noise. The starter was recently replaced and the ring gear looks great. I've read about worn out flex plates and I rotated the engine by hand and checked it and see no obvious cracks.

Thoughts?

 

Did you get the correct starter? Auto and manual trucks use different starters. And is the engine backing late present?

 

I wondered if I had the wrong starter.

 

@Can What part number have they given you?

 

wre 3205s

 

I notice that only about half of the starter gear engages the ring gear.

 

The flex plate dust cover is missing, however it appears that the cover may actually fit under the lower bolt on the starter. I wonder now if that has messed with the shimming, and if I had the plate it would tip the starter into the ring gear for a better mesh?

 

I wouldn't worry too much (@ this time) if the drive is not going in all the way ...It likely will go in further if engine (flywheel was turning) But only you can tell & see ?? Try fully engaging starter & see if it appears to go in further under normal start-up ?? Dust cover is kinda cosmetic & is not your issue here & very likely would not attach to the start bolts,, Rotate your flywheel manually a full turn & inspect for cracks etc. ...AS you turn it try prying it sideways as well looking to see stiffness here all thru the rotation (or cracks)
You could try a Pick & pull wrecking yard for that dust cover ?? Are you sure that is the right starter for your truck??? Did it match exactually to the one you pulled off...Measure the nose cone...It should be the same as the new starter !!

 

I think you're correct that the plate doesn't go under the lower starter mount.

 

I reinstalled the starter and pushed it tight toward the ring gear, and now the noise is gone.