Starter grinding noise - random
 

I have a random grinding noise while starting. I keep a listen out at every start and immediately turn the key back when it happens. Next start and all is fine. Starts right up even after sitting for a month. I would say every dozen starts it will happen once.

Opinions? Thanks.

I replaced starter last year with a used one.

How used? Sounds like that is your problem. I would have put in a new starter. But anyway, maybe go and pull off the starter and look at the gears and hope the fly wheel is not damaged.

The solenoid engagement grease gets old. Mess up the ring gear and that used starter will be expensive.

How used? Last Year in March from 928 intl. still under warranty i believe.

What is a good rebuilt or new starter and what kind of $$$$. Thanks guys.

What was wrong with the old starter? (before this one)

Take it apart and clean out the old grease, put in new.

Hi Mike, (Mike correct?) I met you at Sharktoberfest last year. SmileWavy

I took out the old one since I was having a no start condition and wanted to inspect the starter.

During the inspection of the old starter the solenoid literally fell apart so I made the decision and went with 928 intl. used starter. The new used Starter worked very well until recently.

I am now reworking the wiring for the 14 pin to make it better.

Mark

Most Likely :)
You have a Problem with the " Ring Gear " the Teeth on the Flywheel . Some Teeth get chipped and
(1)when you engage the Starter drive and it happens to match up with the Chipped area you get the Grinding sound.
(2) When you engage the Starter drive in a non damaged area of the ring Gear the drive fully engaged well spin past the damaged area . As it wears more and more you well begin to hear Rhythmic noise from the damage
(3) this Damage well also damage the starter drive
you can drop the starter and turn the flywheel to find the damaged area .
The Flywheel Ring Gear can be changed or just change the Flywheel :Yup pull the Tranny or motor

that's what your description sounds like to me

A damaged ring gear can be replaced without pulling the engine/transaxle, can't it? It may be a tight squeeze on the automatic cars, but I thought you could drop the exhaust and the lower bell-housing cover like when replacing a clutch on these cars?

Well if you can separate the trans from the engine then Yes same as a clutch Job :
( like I said in my last post " pull the Tranny " )
the ring gear is pressed on to the flywheel and on most cars also spot welded to it . However any weld is not the issue , is simply that the ring gear is the largest diameter part on the flywheel and of course a one piece part .
Here is a example Video :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2byQOxw5yY

Since it does not grind on a second attempt I'm inclined to agree that it is a gummy starter that can be sorted out with cleaning and fresh grease. However grinding will damage the ring gear so please fix it.

Okay thanks for all the opinions. After the harness rework I will get it on a lift somewhere and remove and grease and reinstall.

While its out, rotate the engine and check the ring gear.

that might ruin your day like a broken tooth at dentist

AT flywheel way less pain than manual.

Got the flu so Ive been out of commission. I have a 5 speed.