I just replaced the starter motor on my 03 F150 5.4 V8, under less than ideal conditions (I'll save you the story) but while it starts, it makes a high pitched binding noise when she fires and I let go of the key.

The original unit had the teeth ground flat where it engages the flywheel, the contacts and wires were all clean. It was very tight on all three bolts when I unscrewed it.

How much of a problem is this?

Is there a chance I improperly installed it?

Thanks for the input, hope you're all keeping well.

 

There has to be a reason the old one had no teeth. Something isn't lining up right. I'm not sure about these trucks but older ones sometimes need to be shimmed to make the starter line up.

 

A mechanic suggested that the ring gear is chipped from the old starter binding against it. He thinks I can save it by removing the starter and deburring the ring gear, otherwise I'm in for transmission work soon.

I basically have to get a dremel and play dentist on my truck.