over the weekend I replaced my entire clutch system, clutch, pressure plate, flywheel and slave and master cylinder... when I start my car and its cold and it takes that extra second to start my starter will make a grinding noise right before it starts... i am unable to mimic the event until it sets for 4 or 5 hours in the freezing cold we've had. it doesn't seem to crank long enough when warm before it starts to get the noise again. doesn't really sound like the whizzing of a starter clutch but also doesn't sound like the grinding of slipping teeth its a unique noise.. my question is, is it common to have to replace the starter when replacing flywheel just because of the way the old starter could be warn?

 

Does the starter have any shims in it you could try to take out?

 

Or maybe add...

Massey

 

 

Nice video


Also, you did use new GM bolts on the flywheel?


Anything is possible because we can not hear what it sound like but normally when I see that description on a work order there is to much clearance. The complaint I get most of the time when the starter is too tight is the starter sticks and does not disengage right way and cause a noise right after the engine starts. Also it tends to get worse as the car heats up.

 

ok so it did not have any shims... and i know i'm gonna be scolded for this, but no i did not use new bolts... because i forgot about them... it was late, I needed it done. You know the normal excuses. but they did torque properly... 135 in then 50 degrees i think it what it was.

 

Watch that vid on how to properly clearance your starter and shim it. Even when you have a starter that didnt need shims the way GM has their starters bolt up there are a few factors such as the flywheel and how the nose of the starter was machined. I get people complaining about noisy starters all the time at work... My first question to them is "did you check the clearance and shim it properly with the shims and tool provided with the new starter?" The most common answer is "my old starter didnt have any shims" My reply "did you use your old starter or the new one?"

I know you didnt replace the starter but you did the flywheel but sometimes a new flywheel will cause the need to shim a starter.

Massey

 

I really appreciate your help and everyone else's. I will probably purchase a new starter, because to be honest It has 160k and has never been replaced ( unless it was before 50k as thats when i got the car) and I will shim the new one as is needed... But i hate to fool with an old starter forever haha. but once again i appreciate everyones opinions and thoughts. Nice to finally find a forum where people respond haha.