[race06]

I have a 1996 Cobra convertible that has 65,000 original miles on it. I noticed a possible grinding type noise when I wanted to start it like the starter had a bad spot. The noise got worse and the engine did not crank at all. I replaced the starter and battery, still had the grinding noise and the motor would not turn over. I turned the motor over by hand via the crank bolt and tried to start it, it cranked once and fired? Now, it won't crank any more and still have the noise. What can cause this? Has anyone had this problem? I was told the ring gear on the flywheel has a bad spot in it and the starter will not engage to crank the motor? The same transmission shop told me it is a common problem with Cobras as the motor stops in the same place all the time when it shuts down. Does this sound right? Any help and ideas are appreciated. thanks
Jonathan, Fort Myers, FL

[heavy metal]

Welcome to the site!!!!It does sound like a bad flywheel.Take the starter off and look at the flywheel teeth as you get some one to turn it over.

[RandyStinchcomb]

I agree that it sounds like the teeth on the flywheel could be bad, but the thing about the flywheel/starter stopping at the same spot all the time well that is a new-one on me and sounds like BS....

now, when you took the starter out, where there 3 bolts holding it in place? and did you re-install 3 bolts to hold the starter in place?

if it is a bad ring gear on the flywheel, you Dont have toget a whole new flywheel, you can just buy the ring gear for @$29.00, Ford part # F6ZZ-6384-AA

[race06]

Thanks for the ideas and help so far. I did in fact put all the start bolts back in. That was a pain in the neck, wrists, etc, to do on the ground to. I did not get a chance to examine the flywheel at that time when I replaced the starter, didn't think it was an issue at that time. I will try and get back under there to check it out.

If it is the flywheel, with 65,000 miles on it, I was going to replace the clutch, pressure plate, bearing and flywheel since the tranny has to come out anyway. Any tips or suggestions to make that easier to do in my garage? Or, should I take it to a shop that wants $1300 to do it? The car is bone stock and I want to keep it that way, for now. What would you suggest for a replacement kit including the flywheel? The parts seem to be about $300-350.00. The shop wanted to charge about 900-1000 dollars labor. What is the stock teeth count on this flywheel? I have seen two advertised. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate the suggestions and help.

[willy wonka]

first of all it does sound like your flywheel, check it and if it turn out to be the culprit oh well, if this is your first time taking down the transmission u might want to take a look at this Tremec T45 Transmission Removal
this site really helped me i saved hundreds and did it in my garage using two towers and two ramps.Good Luck