In a message dated 96-09-26 10:39:00 EDT, ldove@macomb.com (Lewis Dove)
writes:
<< ..... the starter sometimes fails to engage the engine the first time
around, making whirring busy noises but no clunk. Finally,when it does engage
it makes god-awful gear-clashing sounds before turning the engine over. What
is wrong, and how can I fix it? >>
Starter quietly spinning with no grinding is a stuck starter pinion. I
little oil and some exercise does wonders for a stuck starter pinion (good
for people too). Sometimes a loose connection on one of the battery or
starter or ground cables causes a low voltage condition that will result in a
lazy starter. If the starter doesn't spin up quick enough the bendix won't
engauge the gear. On newer starters with a solenoid actuated arm to move the
pinion gear, that solenoid may be open circuit or stuck.
Nasty grinding noises without turning the engine is usually a worn ring gear.
This situation is often agrevated by installation of a new starter, the new
pinion gear not being comfortable with the old ring gear. Getting the
flywheel out and back in to replace the ring gear is a royal pain, but
changing the ring gear on the flywheel is not so much to be feared. Ask me
about the ring gear barbeque.
New starter cranking the engine OK but with louder gear noise than you're
used to is normal (as long as the noises aren't horribly loud). A new
starter pinion gear takes a little time to get comfortable with its mate
(same as people), things should improve with time, like a few hundred starts
later (should take just a few starts with people).
Barney Gaylord -- 1958 MGA
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