That's good to know.  A Google search has revealed that given the symptoms I
have, that it may just be that the pinion gear and shaft need to be
cleaned.  Upon pulling the starter, it would be a good time to replace
bushings and check brushes.  I have a new bushing on-hand for the front, but
I would probably look at and replace the rear also, which I believe is the
same part.  Better order another one I suppose.  The starter works very
well, is just making this sound like dragging a wooden table across a wooden
floor as the key is released.

Alan

On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 9:33 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> You won't need a tap, I think the bushing presses out after you
> disassemble the starter. The bushing is in the nose of the starter. It
> is the same for all diesel years and unless you have something unusual
> (and you might) it will be a non-geared starter. A lot of people swear
> by the geared started and I'm sure they are great but not all that
> useful in Texas.
>
>