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Starter Grind: Bad Starter or Light Weight Flywheel Issue?

M

mixtape

CEG's Most Wanted
Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
607
Location
NJ
Hey guys,

I believe my starter is on its way out. A few times per week while starting, the car makes a loud grinding noise similar to an air gun (see video) :blackeye:. My first thought was the starter was going bad. However, about 5,000 miles ago I had an Unorthodox Racing light weight flywheel and racing clutch installed. The car runs and drives fine once started. Though I've heard that aftermarket flywheels can cause starters to die prematurely. Something pertaining to dust, or the teeth/gears? I honestly can't remember the details but I've heard this problem before. Do you think this is a flywheel issue or starter issue? I'd hate to replace a starter if that isn't the issue. However I'd hate even more to drop the trans again :eek:.

I made a little video of the problem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3byIwfY3hk

Please let me know :)
 
I have a 9-pound Fidanza, and haven't had a single starter issue in the 3 years I've had it.

You need to get that starter out of there immediately, before you end up having to replace the flywheel as well.
 
mixtape said:
the car makes a loud grinding noise similar to an air gun
Click to expand...

That is most likely the starter solenoid getting stuck when it gets powered up. Replace it. If it gets stuck as it is engaged it will not turn off even when you pull the key out of the ignition. Your fly wheel will get torn up to nothing.
 
Thank you guys. I appreciate it. Looks like she'll get a new starter this week.

As for my description of the sound, something along the lines of a dental drill may be more accurate than an air gun. I completely forgot about the solenoid, however the car seems to be making a grinding noise more so than a clicking noise. I will definitely check into it though to make sure.

Would you guys stick with an OEM replacement starter, or would Advance's Remy or Worldwide brand work adequately? On major components I usually strive for OEM. However I recently picked up an A/C compressor from Advanced that worked perfectly. Saved me a few bucks too :cool:.
 
Man. I have this exact sound. I thought it was my solenoid, so replaced it. Didn't help so car's been sitting in the garage for a while. I guess it's time for a new starter for me.
 
So I swapped out the starter, problem solved. I started it a couple of times, drove around, thought everything was fine. Went to fill gas after, car wouldn't start afterwards. It's not the same issue, this time it's not doing anything. It's exactly like turning the key without pressing the clutch in (radio cuts, nothing else happens). I'm hoping it's just the switch.

(I haven't had time to check the connections at the solenoid or anything yet, but I doubt it's that)
 
SVTED said:
So I swapped out the starter, problem solved. I started it a couple of times, drove around, thought everything was fine. Went to fill gas after, car wouldn't start afterwards. It's not the same issue, this time it's not doing anything. It's exactly like turning the key without pressing the clutch in (radio cuts, nothing else happens). I'm hoping it's just the switch.

(I haven't had time to check the connections at the solenoid or anything yet, but I doubt it's that)
Click to expand...
I'm sorry to hear that :blackeye:. So you replaced both the starter and solenoid and still have issues? I would double check the wiring to ensure that everything is properly connected/tight and not corroded. I would also suggest posting your issue in a new thread though. This one is labeled "starter grind" so many CEGers might overlook your post.
 
Guys; that noise is not the solenoid, that noise is the toothed wheel (drive pinion) on the starter not being thrown forward to mesh with the flywheel. That toothed wheel is sticking and just spinning freely. I took my starter out and cleaned it ... it ran for a while, then started sticking again. Best bet is to replace it. ...G.
 
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