What can cause a starter grinding noise?

Most likely, if it is true grinding that you hear, the problem is related to the starter. Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid. Replacing the starter is most often the right solution.

How do you know if your starter needs shims?

If you start your car without a shim, your car may sound like starter cranks and loud sound. You need to use a shim to avoid noises that the starter emits. There may be the many reasons for the starter noise including the starter may be too far or too close to flywheel teeth, loose mounting bolts and much more.

What does a bad flywheel flex plate sound like?

If the gears on the flywheel-flex-plate and pinion aren’t able to mesh properly; all you hear is the sound of metal teeth clashing loudly. When you try to start your car, you may hear no sound at all. A failed system component (for example, relay or safety switch)

What happens if the Lash on a starter is too tight?

If that lash is too tight it will put extra load on the teeth, and if the lash is loose it can cause the gear to hang up in the ring gear when the engine has started. Don Meziere’s company, Meziere Enterprises manufactures heavy-duty starters that are designed for racing applications.

Why does my starter not fit on my Chevy engine?

Problem: Starter does not bolt up correctly. Solution: General Motors used two different mounting patterns on Chevy blocks: inline and staggered. If you have a Chevy engine block, make sure your starter has the correct bolt pattern for your engine. Problem: Starter does not fit with my headers.

How do I know if my car has a starter problem?

If your lights are bright with the engine off, but they get really dim when you turn the engine over with the starter; and the engine turns over very slowly, you may have starter problems. If battery terminals get hot, along with the battery cable (positive and negative) you probably have starter problems.