Another "whats with my starter" question
 

About 18 months ago I replaced my olde starter with a 'REBUILT' updated 1.5 hp unit (SHOP INSTALLED). Thats after I went thru the typical dead-live starter issues. The problem prompted a new battery, ground stap, cables, various fittings, etc.

In the last several weeks, about once each 3-4 start ups I will get a farrly loud whining, grinding sound on first turn of the ignition. After that it will start effortlessly. Its more common when everything is stone cold. Of course the rebuilt warranty is over!

Its a puzzle to me why this is only an very intermittent issue. When it does start, the bendix and starter motor sound perfect.

So much for rebuilt starters? Complete failure already on the prowl? Can the noise be from a chip in my flywheel?

Thanks
Bob
73.5 T (2.4) :confused:

It's not uncommon to have rebuilt starters fail or not function properly. It's the luck of the draw.

Take it back to the shop. They usually have a relationship with the supplier and should replace it without cost to you.

My past experience with starters says buy new,the "rebuild" quality seems to be low,whether you are talking a Bosch for a Porsche or a AC Delco for a GM product,just my past experience.I also don't buy rebuilt water pumps for the same reason.I currently have a hot start issue with the starter on my 83SC,I believe the starter is the OEM unit so it has served the car well.However I am going to buy a new high torque starter to replace it.Good luck with yours.

Interesting…I just went through the same thing. My starter failed about 2 years….shop replaced it with a “rebuilt” unit. Well the rebuilt unit failed about two weeks ago. I went and purchased a rebuilt starter myself and there was a big difference in how the old and newly rebuilt unit looked…I suspect the shop installed an old unit that had not been rebuilt because there were not that many miles on the car since I had it replaced and the old starter was VERY worn. The install is easy…took about 30 min tops. Good luck!

v/r
Wayne C.
83 SC