So my car started no problem today, other than...

[Topherdiesel]

When I went to start it, the started turned a few times, then just made an odd noise, as if it didnt want to spin.

Tried it again, spun a bit, then did it again.

Tried it the thrid time, and it cranked fine and the car started no problem.

Whats goin on?
Started dying?
Sticking>?

[jtanguay]

sounds like not enough battery power.  or the starter might be going.

On the really cold day my starter made some noises... but that was only -20C weather.  Warmer days its ok.  It was a high pitch sorta noise after a few revolutions.  My starter has yet to die on me (i've started it at least 30 times since it made that noise)

[Dr. Diesel]

it was -31C here last night. trying to start mine early in the am, it didn't crank over fast enough to go before the battery (fresh 1000cca) gave up.
got it going with a boost. I figure there's three problems here. firstly, the 15w40 break-in oil is way too thick. I'm a couple hundred km's away from the self-imposed break-in period, so I switched to 0w40 synthetic this morning.
Secondly, my starter is making weird noises too. It's one of the gear reduction units. I took a spare to the overhaul shop to get freshened up, and will put that on tomorrow.

Finally, i think my engine-chassis ground might be a little worse for the wear, and it'll get replaced tomorrow as well. See how that works!

[srivett]

It's been -27 and -31 today and yesterday.  Yesterday I got going without being plugged in but it was a battle even though my engine spun fast enough.  The engine was just too cold so it took a bunch of glows and 2-3 minutes of cranking.  Today was bad, I had a glow plug fail and it wouldn't go after minutes of cranking and glowing.  I ended up getting my car dragged up and down the road by my neighbour to get it started.  It was so icy I had to be in 3rd gear...the van was in reverse because it didn't have hooks on the back.  We had a hard time getting going fast enough to fire the car up but it worked, eventually.

Anyway, no bad sounds from the starter to report.  I did clean out my starter in the fall and put fresh white grease in it.  These starters are quite durable and parts are cheap if you find a problem.

ps.  I have an engine heater and a block heater but my timer keeps messing up....luckily my Interstate battery likes to put out.   :roll:

Steve

[Topherdiesel]

So i can just take her off, open her, then clean and re grease her?

[srivett]

Yeah, it is easy.  You just have to remember to put a jack under the engine before removing the starter.  I think you are looking at paying about 30CDN each for the brush pack or the plastic gears if you need them.  You'll have to find a starter rebuild shop to get the parts, Canadian Tire doesn't have them.  You'll need a bit of blue loctite to put the solenoid screws back in.  You'll also need some emory cloth to clean the commutator bar.  It has to be very very fine, grab some from the rebuild shop if you aren't familiar with what I mean.  

When putting the starter bolts to thread I usually end up having to hit them in with a hammer.  This is because the engine moves, etc.  The ends are shaped like nails and do a good job alligning themselves with a light tap.

One more thing, there is a starter bushing in the block.  This is what the end of the starter sits in but it can jam up the starter.  I've never had to fix one of these but it could be the problem you are having.

Steve

[chrissev]

regarding the starter bushing - has anyone ever successfully gotten one out?  I replaced my starter a year ago and couldn't get the old bushing out so just left it in.  Never had any probs with it, but just wondering.

[MacGyver]

To remove starter bushing:
Screw a threading tap into it.
1/2" I think? Can't remember, been years since I did one.
With the appropriate size, it'll draw it right out nice & slick