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Is this noise normal?

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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 08:43 AM
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Default Is this noise normal?

I have a '73 w/ manual trans. When I'm cranking the starter everything sounds normal. But as soon as she starts, I hear a loud grinding type of sound which only lasts about 1/2 a second. With the sound is also a vibration during that 1/2 a second. Possibly no actual grinding, but the vibration causing that type of sound? Another problem I have is a chattering clutch when engaging 1st gear. Seems like the two issues might be related? Any thoughts? Thanks.
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 08:52 AM
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it almost sounds like the starter gear is not retracting
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 08:53 AM
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You likely have a defective starter drive overrunning clutch. When the engine fires it accelerates the starter gear which then spins on reverse cut grooves in the overrunning clutch to back itself out of flywheel engagement. When these grooves dry out, you get the type of noise and vibration that you are describing. A new starter drive or starter will probably correct the problem.

Steve
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by meangreenie
I have a '73 w/ manual trans. When I'm cranking the starter everything sounds normal. But as soon as she starts, I hear a loud grinding type of sound which only lasts about 1/2 a second. With the sound is also a vibration during that 1/2 a second. Possibly no actual grinding, but the vibration causing that type of sound? Another problem I have is a chattering clutch when engaging 1st gear. Seems like the two issues might be related? Any thoughts? Thanks.
It sounds like the starter solenoid is hanging up and keeping the starter gear engaged with the flywheel longer than it should. How long has it been doing this? Is it a new starter? If it is, then you may need to add a shim to ease the binding.

From what you have described, I would not say that the clutch chatter is related at all. How old is the clutch?
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 09:10 AM
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Thanks for the advise guys! Sounds like a new starter should take care of that noise. I've only owned the car since September, and the starter is probably old. It's made that noise since I bought it.

The clutch is supposedly brand new. Guessing they thought a new clutch would solve the chatter? Any thoughts on the chatter would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to start with new engine & tranny mounts.
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 09:23 AM
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One more note on my clutch/tranny:

It can be a bit stiff getting into 1st & 2nd gears.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 09:39 AM
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shimming may cure this problem,,,mine used to hang up longe than yours,to the point the engine was runnin with the starter still engaged,,,needed shims!!!
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 10:08 AM
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I'll try a new starter, and shim that if nessessary. Do they make shims specific to this application?

Still hoping to get some ideas on the clutch chatter. And maybe the stiff shifting in 1st & 2nd. Thanks!

Last edited by meangreenie; Mar 10, 2005 at 10:13 AM.
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 10:57 AM
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The chattering you hear from the clutch may be the throwout bearing going bad.
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by meangreenie
I'll try a new starter, and shim that if nessessary. Do they make shims specific to this application?

Still hoping to get some ideas on the clutch chatter. And maybe the stiff shifting in 1st & 2nd. Thanks!
yes,, they make different thicknesses,
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 01:18 PM
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Thanks for all the great advise!
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Old Mar 10, 2005 | 01:44 PM
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Hell, don't go replace the starter without looking at it first. I had one a while back where the little gear on the starter would simply get "stuck" on the shaft. A little sandpaper followed by a little lubricant and "voila" no more sticking starter. And I didn't have to spend $50 on a new starter.
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