victoriasarah

Hey guys! Pretty new to this site, joined out of necessity...
I recently acquired a 1973 Mustang, 5.0 302 cid 2V, 3-speed about two months ago. Typically, it never have problems to start. Recently however, it's been giving me problems... When I pump the gas and go to start it, the starter makes a weird mechanical noise. Sometimes it catches on the flywheel and cranks if I'm lucky, but for the past couple days, it's not even catching.
I have a brand new battery, so I highly doubt that's my issue. I've had a couple friends tell me it's my starter... But if my starter was bad, wouldn't it just make a clicking noise instead?
If anyone can help troubleshoot this issue I'd really appreciate it!

barnett468

.
your starter is bad or the teeth on your flywheel are worn out in a few areas.

next time it does it remove the starter and look at the teeth on the flywheel, . . if they are ok, your starter is bad.

victoriasarah

That's what I was thinking after listening to it again today..

I've never done a starter replacement in a first gen Mustang, is it difficult?

Thanks for the reply!

jimkaray

Sounds like the starter drive is sticking and going bad. That's what is under the hump on the starter. Try smacking it there with a hammer handle and see if engages for you. If so you can just change out drive and don't have to buy a whole new starter.

victoriasarah

Looks like I need to buy a new starter... I remembered using that trick on an old Jeep, but unfortunately it didn't work on my Mustang.
Thanks for the help!

jimkaray

Hold on, does the starter spin every time but it just isn't engaging the flywheel? If yes then the drive is your issue, its just beyond the point where a little assistance will get it working. If you turn the key and you hear nothing then the starter itself is bad, assuming its getting power from the relay.