3 times today, when starting the truck, I have heard a pretty loud gear on gear grinding. I know this is the starter, but my question is, are they pretty easy to change on a 2000 F-150 with the 5.4? Or is this going to be one of those real knuckle busters?

 

That noise is the starter gear grinding against the flywheel in the engine. That is how the starter gets the engine cranking. If you are hearing a grinding noise then there may be a couple of reasons for that.

1. starter is not fully engaging the flywheel and the gear is unable to crank
the flywheel as a result.
2. there are worn/missing teeth on either the flywheel itself, or the starter
gear.

I think that you can get the starter tested to see if it is working properly, you will have to remove it first, and take it to a shop, or perhaps the local parts outlet could test is too.

As for ease of replacement/removal? I am not too sure about your model year. They are usually not too difficult to remove, even though you may lose a little skin off your knuckles. You know they never seem to give you enough room to get the tools in to do the work.

 

Yea, I know all about working in tight spaces. When I was in the Air Force I was a Mech on the B-1B, I swear there are parts on that Jet that they suspended in mid air and built the Aircraft around! The B2 was not a lot better to be honest with you. But I only wrenched that for a short time before getting a cozy office job LOL.

It actually sounds like the starter is spinning before it gets a chance to engage the flywheel. I'll crawl under it and give it a look. My problem is time and the fact that I do not have a garage so working on it right now is tough.

 

Changing a starter on this truck is a piece of cake... a monkey could do it