Starter problem

[152 Sumo]

Everyone knows the grinding sound that the starter makes if you accidentally turn the ignition while the engine is already running. Every once in a while, usually in the morning, my starter makes that noise when I first try to start it. I then have to stop for a couple seconds and try again with a normal start on the second try.

Here's my question: Does this mean the starter is starting to go bad, or is this something that replacing the contacts would fix?

I did some searches on it, and obviously it is easier, and probably cheaper, to replace the contacts. I am hoping to do some preventive maintenance and have it fixed soon so I don't get stranded in some random spot. Especially since my wife's family from Japan will be visiting next month and I will be carrying everyone around in the 4RNR.

Thanks

 

[david.b]

replacing the contacts doesnt fix the grind youre hearing. when contacts go bad you hear a click noise...


two possible problems you have.
1. you crankshaft may have some broken teeth and its grinding across those. this is less likely and way more expensive to fix.

2. your starter solenoid is shot. starter solenoid recognizes when the crankshaft is turning enough to run and retracts the starter gear. cheap fix, buy a new starter... they come with a new solenoid and you get new points with that. theyre around 100$ with a core refund. pain to install on v6's... search it, plenty of info.


im willing to bet your problem is no.2.

 

[152 Sumo]

replacing the contacts doesnt fix the grind youre hearing. when contacts go bad you hear a click noise...


two possible problems you have.
1. you crankshaft may have some broken teeth and its grinding across those. this is less likely and way more expensive to fix.

2. your starter solenoid is shot. starter solenoid recognizes when the crankshaft is turning enough to run and retracts the starter gear. cheap fix, buy a new starter... they come with a new solenoid and you get new points with that. theyre around 100$ with a core refund. pain to install on v6's... search it, plenty of info.


im willing to bet your problem is no.2.

Thanks. That is not what I wanted to hear, but it is better than being the crankshaft. I was hoping it would be the cheaper contacts. Not a huge deal though. $100 bucks or so won't break the bank. If it did, my problems would be bigger than the starter.

I think I am going to tackle this on Sunday along with my front o2 sensor. Thank you David.

 

[david.b]

no problem.

bit of info... i did this project last weekend. all i needed was new contacts. reinstalled, started right up... but now i have intermittent grind on start. ive done a bit of research and am led to believe my starter isnt quite lined up correctly... so it grinds on starts. its a tough spot to get to for the job, but keep in mind when you reinstall to line it up perfectly.

 

[Sig220]

It would not be your crankshaft "you crankshaft may have some broken teeth and its grinding across those. this is less likely and way more expensive to fix."

That would be the flywheel in that case and it would still be expensive to fix.

I hope it is just your starter, and you have a easy fix!

 

[152 Sumo]

It would not be your crankshaft "you crankshaft may have some broken teeth and its grinding across those. this is less likely and way more expensive to fix."

That would be the flywheel in that case and it would still be expensive to fix.

I hope it is just your starter, and you have a easy fix!

Thanks. I think I am just going to replace the starter this weekend. Once the starter is off, will it be difficult to see the flywheel to make sure it isn't damaged?

 

[alaskaflyer]

no problem.

bit of info... i did this project last weekend. all i needed was new contacts. reinstalled, started right up... but now i have intermittent grind on start. ive done a bit of research and am led to believe my starter isnt quite lined up correctly... so it grinds on starts. its a tough spot to get to for the job, but keep in mind when you reinstall to line it up perfectly.

Just replaced my starter today and now have the same grinding issue. Were you ever able to fix it or is it something you decided to live with?

 

[david.b]

Just replaced my starter today and now have the same grinding issue. Were you ever able to fix it or is it something you decided to live with?

finally got around to dealing with the grinding issue. turns out my starter soleinod was done... just bought a whole new starter and solenoid from autozone, installed it and grinding is gone. good news with my autozone refurb starter, it was a bit smaller than stock so alot easier to install.

 

[Jon]

When the grinding starts its a battle between the starter gear and the flywheel. Luckily the flywheel usually wins since the metal is harder. The starter will more than likely have missing or damaged teeth. Just replace the starter, I'm doing mine tomorrow. Doesn't look too bad.

 

[MSRP.]

Just to clarify:
Clicking = replace contacts
Grinding (as in turning ignition while truck is already on) sporadically = replace the starter

Aside: mine grinds a bit on a hot start. Never when the car is cold/overnight.

 

[01thunder]

remove inspection cover between oil pan and lower part of trans bellhousing and look at the flywheel/flex plate teeth. do that before removing the starter. it is much easier. aftermarket starters will cause that as well. i would source a low mileage used one.