Starter or flywheel issues?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Starter or flywheel issues?
Recently my starter has begun making the most awful grinding noise. Its totally random, but happening more frequently. As I turn the starter over, it begins to crank, everything is normal. Then, as everything comes up to speed and the engine seems to catch I get the most horrid grinding. I don't know if the starter gear is failing to pull back completely or if my flywheel is chewed up. I'm praying its not the flywheel. (The starter IS in there nice and tight and I paid attention to alignment, didn't need any shims) Anybody had similar experiences?
Starter is a aftermarket high torque, engine is a moderate compression 454, timing is about 34 degrees.
Starter is a aftermarket high torque, engine is a moderate compression 454, timing is about 34 degrees.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 516
Likes: 72
From: Modesto California
Recently my starter has begun making the most awful grinding noise. Its totally random, but happening more frequently. As I turn the starter over, it begins to crank, everything is normal. Then, as everything comes up to speed and the engine seems to catch I get the most horrid grinding. I don't know if the starter gear is failing to pull back completely or if my flywheel is chewed up. I'm praying its not the flywheel. (The starter IS in there nice and tight and I paid attention to alignment, didn't need any shims) Anybody had similar experiences?
Starter is a aftermarket high torque, engine is a moderate compression 454, timing is about 34 degrees.
Starter is a aftermarket high torque, engine is a moderate compression 454, timing is about 34 degrees.
If you have removed the dust cover it will make a LOT of noise; especially as it releases from the flywheel teeth. The so-called "dust" cover serves three purposes; one to shield the flywheel from dust, one to muffle sound, and one to keep the technicians fingers or hair from being chewed up by the spinning flywheel teeth.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
The dust cover is in place. This isn't just a noisy starter, its a violent, metal on metal grinding. Almost like when you forget your car is running and try to start It again....(I mean, Ive never done that before....
)
I dread getting underneath this car to inspect ....its always worst case scenario.
) I dread getting underneath this car to inspect ....its always worst case scenario.
Pro
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 708
Likes: 150
From: Minnesota
Almost sounds like the starter isn't pulling back fast enough when the car starts. It's a hassle, but you'll have to pull the starter to look for the issue either way. I would begin by dropping the starter and looking at the drive teeth. Maybe the spring has weakened? Possibly contact the mfr and ask if they can help trouble-shoot or if they offer replacement springs, etc. Is the high-torque starter old - been in awhile?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Almost sounds like the starter isn't pulling back fast enough when the car starts. It's a hassle, but you'll have to pull the starter to look for the issue either way. I would begin by dropping the starter and looking at the drive teeth. Maybe the spring has weakened? Possibly contact the mfr and ask if they can help trouble-shoot or if they offer replacement springs, etc. Is the high-torque starter old - been in awhile?
The starter isn't but a few years old, but I don't remember where I bought it and I'm sure there is no warranty.
I'm glad to hear everyone thinks its a starter issue and not a flywheel. I don't want to pull my transmission out. Again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Get some ramps!
Pull the dust cover and inspect the flywheel.
If all the teeth are good check out the starter.
On an original starter you can disconnect the large battery wire and apply 12 volts to the small inside terminal to see if the Bendix goes in and out smoothly.
Not sure if that will work with the starter that you have.
If all the teeth are good check out the starter.
On an original starter you can disconnect the large battery wire and apply 12 volts to the small inside terminal to see if the Bendix goes in and out smoothly.
Not sure if that will work with the starter that you have.
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