Starter Grinding

[gingerdude]

I have noticed the starter grinding for a split second after I start the car. It's not bad once the engine has warmed up, but those first starts in the cold mornings are terrible. I'm hesitant to let it roll for fear of having to replace the flexplate. What do you all recommend? Has anyone else had this issue before?

 

[Scottydoggs]

take the starter out and inspect the gear on it for lots of wear.

 

[gingerdude]

Alright cool. Hopefully the flexplate isn't screwed. You think it's just the starter gear hanging up? Is this common for these vehicles? If the starter looks fine, should I try greasing it or should I just F it and replace the starter?

It is unmistakably the starter. It makes the same sound it makes when the key is turned with the engine running. The starter itself looks like an easier job than what I have done before on cars so I should be able to tackle it.

 

[gingerdude]

Ended up replacing the starter and all is good. The flywheel didn't have an abnormal damage, just expected wear for it's age and a few "false starts". The starter that came off looked fine, but I think it was hanging up on retract.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Scottydoggs]

back in the day you could buy just the starter solenoid, and replace it. thats the part where the wires go, thats the part that moves the gear out to the fly wheel. dont see em sold to often no more.