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Intermittent grinding noise when starting
gavcolton - 26/7/20 at 09:52 AM

When starting the car I sometimes get a horrible grinding noise from the starter motor. Only occurs once every 3 or 4 starts and usually starts straight after on the next attempt. Not sure if it's relevant, but on the times where it has occurred the car had been running before within 30 mins or so. I've not had the car for ages so I may also find it's an issue when completely cold, but I've not experienced that yet.

I've taken the starter out and the teeth on the starter look in great condition, but I can see slight marks on the flywheel. I tried wiring the starter up, whist on the bench, using jump cables and it looked like the solenoid worked every time.

I've checked all of the connections and cleaned them up, but still the same issue. It's showing 12.4V on and 12.3V with the lights on - so I'm not thinking it's the battery.

Any ideas what might be causing it?

gremlin1234 - 26/7/20 at 01:42 PM

give us a clue, what type of engine? bike/car? ford, mazda, toyota?

gavcolton - 26/7/20 at 02:38 PM

Ford Zetec 2.0 with Brise starter.

big_wasa - 26/7/20 at 03:26 PM

What flywheel / clutch / gearbox combo.


I had one where the combination was a little tight causing the same thing.

There are a couple of custom Zetec flywheels that are rumoured to suffer these problems.

[Edited on 26/7/20 by big_wasa]

gavcolton - 26/7/20 at 03:37 PM

A lightened flywheel from Tiger Racing, not sure on the clutch but it was also supplied by Tiger racing and Type 9 5 speed.

starterman - 26/7/20 at 05:34 PM

I think the starter should be a version of LRS110.

Does it sound like the starter is spinning but not turning the engine?

Cheers
Mike

gavcolton - 26/7/20 at 06:02 PM

It sounds like the engine isn't turning over, but the starter is spinning. However it sounds like the teeth haven't engaged properly.

starterman - 26/7/20 at 06:15 PM

That sounds like the drive clutch is slipping. Do you have any pictures you could let me see please?
That can be repaired.

[Edited on 26/7/20 by starterman]

gavcolton - 26/7/20 at 08:57 PM

Hi, Is this OK?

starterman - 27/7/20 at 04:32 PM

Hi, yep that tells me that it's based on an Hitachi starter. If you want to send it down I'm sure that I can sort a new drive clutch for it. Let me know.

If you want to call my number is 01579 382391.
Albaston Starters & Alternators

Cheers
Mike.

gavcolton - 3/8/20 at 07:35 PM

Hi Mike, Thanks for your help. It should be with you on Thursday.