Ford Mystery Noise - SOLVED! F150 Starter Overrunning Clutch. Thanks, FordTechMakuloco!

I couldn't figure out what the strange "whirring" noise was coming from my 2013 F-150. On the brink of going to the dealership (which I absolutely hate to do) I took a shot at reaching out to KZbin star FordTechMakuloco. To my surprise, after emailing him an audio sample, he was able to successfully diagnose my issue! I changed out my starter and PROBLEM SOLVED! This is the power of KZbin. People helping people. Thank you, Brian. You do great work and your channel is phenomenal. #FordTechMakuloco #Ford #Starter #F150

[@thomasmleahy6218]

Meaning the solenoid kept it engaged with the flywheel instead of retracting back away from the flywheel, yes?? I had a similar issue on an '82 Olds Delta 88 with the brand new starter I installed (and what a pita that was). The new starter would stay engaged and the starter kept working after the engine started. Had to quickly turn the key off, start it again. Started doing this about 4 months after installation, but very infrequently. Finally, after about 7 months it really screwed up. I stopped for breakfast near work and upon leaving the diner, my car wouldn't start. I opened the hood and smelled a hot rubber smell. The starter had shorted out, completely drained the battery, the cable to the starter was extremely hot, starting to melt. No worries now because the batt was dead. Had a workmate come fetch me, had it towed to a shop 3 blocks away ( $70). Had new one put in, charged the batt, just under $300 total. The lucky part was at least the car didn't set on fire. This from a brand new starter, and solenoid and lucky I didn't touch the hot cable and burn my azz.

[@JakeInGeorgia]

Yep! And woah! What a story! Glad it got resolved and at a not so bad cost!

[@RU12ALL]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@markdudley5656]

Can you replace just the over-running clutch, or do you have to replace the entire starter? I also have a 2014 f150 XLT 4x4 w/ 5.0, so I assume my starter is the same as yours.

[@JakeInGeorgia]

Great question. Not sure but either way, I’d recommend replacing the entire thing. Surprisingly, the starter is really tough to get off. There’s 3 bolts. Naturally, 2 of them are easy enough to remove. The 3rd of course is on top with very little clearance. If you go through the hassle of removing it I’d just say put a whole new one in there.