Michaelc

I've searched the archives for this one and came back with a 0. My ignition has begun to make some strange noises at start up. This typically occurs when the motor is warm and I go to restart the car. The starter turns over and then makes what I can only describe as a horrible noise, I would describe it like the noise a moto-cross bike makes when you get on the throttle when the bike is still in the air: ringinginginginginging. Not the typical clicking you would expect and I have read about here, but a sound as if teeth are missing on the starter or flywheel. Not a starter problem I've experienced before on any car I've ever owned. Everyone's thoughts would be welcome as this problem doesn't seem to be getting better or going away on its own.

chris walrod

This does sound very much like a new or rebuilt starter is in your future. The worst part of this (weak solenoid / Bendix) is the potential damage that can result to your ring gear on the flywheel.

One thing you may wish to check before replacing the starter is the connections to it, both positive, solenoid trigger wire and the ground strap.

Michaelc

I'll check that this weekend. I read the starter replacement DIY on Pcar, when will I know it's time to replace it, assuming I want it done before it quits totally?

JPS

Well, swing by a wrench and get his/her opinion, but if in doubt, Fister Motorsports has a great price.

IXLR8

Not knowing exactly what yours sounds like, it could be...

• a weak battery or bad connection
• a starter clutch
• the gear on the starter or a worn spot on the ring gear

Paul M

You can normally coax a few extra turns out of a dying starter by putting the car in gear and rocking it.

In the days before clutch interlocks, you could just park on a hill...

CalvinC4S

"In the days before clutch interlocks, you could just park on a hill... "

You just reminded me of a buddy I had in high school that ran out of fuel and tried to drive his jeep with the starter motor..hahahaha

Michaelc

For now the noise only seems to occur when the car is warm, not hot, but warm as in it has been sitting for 30, 45, 60, even 120 minutes. Based on the feedback so far I'm hoping for an electrical issue, but won't know until I get in there to check the connections.

vincer77

My guess is the bendix drive.

Garth S

I will also put money on the Bendix drive: my starter suffered a similar fate ... when attempting a hot start, the bendix would engage the ring gear - but slip internally and make the most horiffic noise ( the bendix is a one-way clutch that has an internal series of springs and pawls - when worn and hot, it will not contain the torque of a starter motor). Cold starts were OK .... so if this sounds familiar, a rebuilt starter is in your near future.

Here are a few inspirational words on starter replacement ..... enjoy!

IXLR8

Which is a starter clutch, a one-way clutch...locks in one direction and rotates in the other.

Michaelc

I love working on my 95, but this is not how I wanted to spend my Saturday! It's drive time in Florida!!! Repair time is in the summer when it rains all the time! Any suggestions on where to get the part? Lot's of local places in South Florida, but prices vary dramatically - I usually order or buy over the net. As an aside, the noise is humorous when it happens and people can't figure out how such an awful noise is coming out of such a beautiful car. Funny until it isn't as they say.

OSL993

My starter occationally did the same some time ago, my workshop removed the starter, opened it and lubricated the bendix drive and it has been good ever since! Added benefit is that the starter spins much quicker and more freely than before as well... Worth a shot?

IXLR8

Definitely! I always rebuild them myself before considering replacing them.

The following site is indispensable when it comes to info and replacement parts for just about any brand of electrical/electronic automotive component.

Transpo.de

They have an office in the USA:
Transpo USA
3063 Mercy Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
Local: 407-292-8055
Toll Free: 1-800-773-0005
Fax: 407-292-8126

vincer77

Depending on how hard the r&r is, I'd either get a new starter or have the whole thing rebuilt. No use doing it twice.