Author Topic: Starter noises (Read 7604 times)

Jetta Fan · « **on:** October 17, 2006, 09:08:39 am »

Just noticed this morning that my starter is making a bit of a grinding noise when cold (around 0C temp overnight). Seems to crank OK....takes a few extra cranks to get the car started, but it makes this noise that I can only describe as a grinding noise. Seems normal when the car is warm (like when I left the gym this morning). This is my first winter with a diesel...is this normal?

jtanguay · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2006, 11:13:15 am »

my old '86 used to make sounds like you are describing... I bought a new battery and it never did it again

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2006, 11:15:08 am »

Thanks for the reply.

My battery is only two years old and I plan on cleaning the terminals up this weekend (I know the importance of good connections and it's easier to clean them now than it is outside in January with the snow and wind).

burn_your_money · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2006, 01:10:13 pm »

Go to Canadian Tire. I think they'll check your starter for you... or maybe I'm thinking alternator. Anyways I know they'll check the battery for free

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2006, 09:45:09 am »

OK, paid a little closer attention to it this morning....

Bit of noise when I first hit the key, then cranks/turns over, then a brief grinding noise, then turns over etc.

While it is making the noise, I'm not sure if it is turning over or not.

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:17:21 pm »

yea my old car used to make the same noises you are describing, but the cranking rpm's were really slow. this was in the winter time, and with the 15w40 oil. after switching to synthetic it started up a lot better, but with a bit of noise (still winter time)

come spring it started up perfectly! without any noise.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2006, 03:51:20 pm »

maybe the solennoid isn't fully disengaging and the gear is rubbing the flywheel

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2006, 09:45:22 am »

Cleaned all the connections and battery terminals (first encounter with the factory alarm) and it is still doing it. Spoke to the guy that rebuilds my starters and alternators and he said there is a little gear in there that goes....likely the culprit. Taking it off tomorrow and taking it to him to check it out.

I know, support the engine when I take the starter out.

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2006, 11:53:30 am »

Yeah there's a plastic gear in there that can crack easely.

It could be the bronze bushing in the tranny that's going bad or the starter's shaft that's seizing or loose. When you'll have the starter out, grab the body with one hand and use the other one to wiggle the end of the shaft where it slips into the bushing. There shouldn't be much movement. If there's too much movement you've most likely found the culprit.

In all cases, replace the bushing that's pressed into the tranny's bellhousing. It's not a thigh fit so it should slip out easely.

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2006, 05:53:11 am »

Had the starter rebuilt on Friday, replaced the bushing and put everything back together (the starter needed new brushes, but otherwise was fine). Started the car and it still made the grinding noise. Ran a few errands and on Saturday it was quite noisy when I started it. Shut it off and when I went to restart it, it didn't turn.....just a grinding noise. Got a push to get going and when I got home I tried it again. Fired right up. Shut it down and tried again and all it would do was grind. My guess is the flywheel. It's at my mechanic's today, so we shall see.

Bludodger · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:54:19 am »

Brass bushing in housing?

Did you replace that?

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2006, 11:17:51 am »

Yep....replaced that bushing. Just slipped right in.

I remember one of my gassers I had to tap it in.

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2006, 08:27:24 am »

Word back from my mechanic.....

I need a flywheel, but that seems to be the least of my weorries right now. apparently, the bushing is too loose in the hole. Some wing nut before me must have run it with no bushing, as the hole is too big. So now they are trying to find a way to fix the hole so the bushing stays in place or else replace the tranny (nothing else wrong with it). I'm going to see my buddy that rebuilds starters and alternators this afternoon and see if we can't find a bushing that will fit the shaft of the starter but fill the hole. Must be one available as the bushing that was in there when I took the starter off in the first place had to be chiselled out. I just hope he has one to fit.

They mentioned using JB Weld to hold the bushing in place, but I would rather find a different bushing to fit the hole.

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2006, 01:10:27 pm »

They just want your money when they say they want to replace the whole tranny. Look around to see if you can find a replacement that fits nicely. I'm pretty sure you'll find something.

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2006, 05:27:04 am »

Visited the shop yesterday. The hole in the tranny housing where the shaft of the starter goes is toast. It is oblong, and the wall between that hole and the opening where the flywheel is has been worn down to almost nothing. Took it to a couple of machine shops in the area to see if they could build it up and rebore the hole but they won't touch it. I gave them an oversize bushing to try, but with the hole being oblong, we don't think things will line up. They did try to separate the housing (it's two pieces) but they can't get it apart without getting into a lot of labour. They've never screwed me in the past, so I hope they don't start now.

Hunted down a new to me tranny......~$500.

So, because some idiot didn't replace a 10 cent bushing, I'm out a tranny.