Starting engine - a "thunk" and then a loud whirr

[BobbyD]

Attempting to leave Home Depot, my engine (when pressing the starter button), turned over kind of funny, then heard a loud clunk/thunk, and then a clear WHIRRRRR. The WHIRRRR happens only when pressing the starter button. Sounds deep under the passenger front seat... like... under... the... truck....

Looking under the truck, I note the starter (my incredibly cool, aerodynamic, always starts the beast, 24V Gear Reduction Starter (http://www.expedition-imports.com/PZGRST)) is kinda no longer attached to the truck.

NOTE: When I put the new starter on, I did not replace the rubber mounting pad... 1971 truck... 45 year old piece of rubber... Well, it delaminated... half of pad is on truck and half on starter.

Ordered a new piece from EI, begin process of replacement, and being a NOOB ... Did not notice that the rubber pad is asymmetrical.

Does the long end go on the top or bottom? (see picture)

[BobbyD]

Also...
This part is tightly packed in its space.
NOTE: EI does not offer rental on the specialized tool to remove/replace the piece.... Googling for said tool, this is the closest I found....

[Jimm391730]

the specialized tool to remove/replace the piece....

If you are talking about the 19mm nut that holds the starter in place (and can't get to it) you can use a "crows foot" wrench: http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-10-p ... 904363000P or similar. I took an old 19mm wrench, heated it with a torch, and bent the end almost 90 degrees -- but that takes the temper out of the wrench and, though it did work for me, it was soft enough to twist where I bent it.

[BobbyD]

All my tools worked fine... The long end of the rubber pad points up. I just wish there was more room on that side of the engine....

[Hotzenplotz]

this is the tool you need