URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!

[that_red_c10]

Ok so I tried starting my truck for today, and it would crank but wouldn't start, then after awhile it stopped cranking and started making a really loud scraping noise like a train scraping against its tracks, but louder. I took a look under the hood and every time we tried starting it, the alternator would move maybe a centimeter then jolt back. I'm really worried because I don't know what's wrong and hoping I don't have to buy something very expensive. Thanks everyone!

[hamjet]

Almost sounds like ground teeth on the flywheel/flexplate. I hope not..See if you can get the engine to turn by hand to get another spot on the flywheel and try again. that should tell you.

[Greasey Harley]

Originally Posted by hamjet

Almost sounds like ground teeth on the flywheel/flexplate. I hope not..See if you can get the engine to turn by hand to get another spot on the flywheel and try again. that should tell you.

X2

Like hamjet said, try rotating engine by hand. It may help to put a breaker bar on the big bolt in the center of the crank pulley, for assistance.
if the problem is the starter, it will just make a horrible noise again. If the problem is the teeth on the fly wheel / flexplate, it might just turn over and start.
...or, it could be something completely different. But this is a good place to start looking. Good luck.

[that_red_c10]

Thank you all! I will try to post a video on youtube of it and i will send you guys the link, and ill try what you said.

[oldertruckfan]

kinda sounds like the starter isn't fully engaging. the solenoid may be worn out.

[special-K]

Ok, when it did crank did it seem to be cranking plenty fast...as usual? If not, and it was cranking a tad slow, it could be not enough charge to turn fast enough to start. Then, once lower it's not enough for the starter to fully engage the flywheel. Low voltage to starter will cause engagement issues.

Check the alternator mounting. sounds like it could be getting loose at mounts. I've had one come off the head before. There had been a helicoil put in one hole that I guess failed which caused the other bolt to shear. How tight is the belt? And, if you put pressure on the belt to take up slack does it make the alternator move? Other than the cold on your battery, maybe it hasn't been charging due to loose alt.

[that_red_c10]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZZBCbWz6Zg

I took a video, and posted it here. Couldnt really do much so thisll have to do. Sorry, in the vid i say i think thats the transmission, i just cant really see well, had my eyes dialated from eye drops

[hilltop55]

Sounds like the flywheel lost some teeth or the starter nose broke. Get under there and take the shield off it it has one and look at the flywheel. I would take the starter off and start there.

[hilltop55]

Also could be the convertor bolts came loose or the flex plate broke. either way you need to see the flywheel and see if it's damaged.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by hilltop55

Sounds like the flywheel lost some teeth or the starter nose broke. Get under there and take the shield off it it has one and look at the flywheel. I would take the starter off and start there.

X2

[that_red_c10]

Ok thanks dude. I cant get under there now due to ice and snow but when k can ill try

[markedgar5]

The cold weather these last few days in your area may be causing voltage issues so I'd give one more quick try with a jump start first. Like others said first turn by hand. See if the belt moves. Just in case the alternator or other belt driven component is seized locking the engine via the belt.

Then I'd drop the starter. Easiest thing to check and in my opinion the issue. Be careful though, you don't want to damage your flywheel - that sound isn't good.

[outdoorsman310]

as everyone else is saying check the starter nose and flywheel/flex plate. I drove my truck around for months with a messed up flex plate. then it wouldn't start at the gas pump when the starter bendix broke. I had another in the bed though.

[treveiger]

Sounds like the starter gear is stripped or the teeth on the fly wheel.

[that_red_c10]

Thanks for all the information everyone, im really thankful, but it doesn't sound likes its going to be to good . Im heartbroken to think I may have to sell it but I might not be able to afford it :'(. Im already heartbroken just thinking of what could happen. Thanks again everyone!

[that_red_c10]

Im horrified at the thought of even selling the truck. Its so far one of the worst things ive ever had to deal with. To me, selling this is like selling my child to someone, and constantly worrying that they will be taken care of well.

[markedgar5]

How far out on Long Island are you. I'm in the poconos. Instant message me. Maybe I can shoot up there Monday. Give u a hand.

[imjeff]

You charged the battery, right? Don't give up the ghost yet, it's not near terminal with what you've presented.

[that_red_c10]

The battery is brand new, I will try charging it a bit to see what happens but I don't know if itll work.

[no1udknow]

it sounds to me like either you lost some teeth, or perhapse the starter bolts came loose. throw down some cardboard and lay under there and pull the dust cover. Check the starter bolts first. If they are tight, you can either try to turn the fly wheel by putting a wrench on the bolts for the torque converter and turning it, or using a pry bar putting in the teeth and prying against the engine. Either way, it isn't worth getting rid of the truck, the starter and flywheel could be easily, and cheaply changed.

[that_red_c10]

Thanks a lot for the info man! My problem is storage and money, i dont have much money, or the storage to do a lot of that stuff. Im hoping i can keep it, and chances are I probably will. thank you again! Will do!

[RodnRudy]

Try taking the alternator belt loose then see if it will crank. I had an alt once that lost the bearing and locked up. It wouldn't let the engine turn over, would just jerk a little bit. I actually changed the starter thinking that was the problem. It's worth a try.

[that_red_c10]

Ok Ron, ill try! lets hope so! When someone started the car for me and I watched the motor, the alternator moved like an inch, then just jolted back to where it was.

[54blackhornet]

Take a moment to breath ! Ok first get someone that knows a little about engines to help you ! It's cold outside I know, that makes things worse. Everyone on this site has had problems at times, we will all try to help , but You need to get under and try to eliminate things one by one...

[Possmguts]

First off you don't sell em because they are broken.. you fix them. Try to sell something with a 50 dollar part broken and your gonna loose tons of money.