Hey i've been reading this site for a couple of years now, first post!! anyway i have a problem, my car starts i'd say 1 out of every 5 times i turn the ignition, it makes a grinding noise...it sounds like the starter is not catching on the flywheel it just grinds or spins like hell and does nothing...then after a few tries it'll start. sometimes perfect and sometimes with the grind. and it gets worse when its really hot out! car is in the sig 305/5 speed! any replies are greatly appreciated i really need some input on this, i don't want it to get worse! thanks a lot guys

 

I'll bet your starter is loose get under and check it out.....or the starter or flywheel are bad...you may also need to shim the starter to get the gears lined up better...ill bet its just a loose starter..If you continue to run like this you will damage parts......

 

Whats a Loose?......:lala:

 

If you find it's not loose, I'd pull it off and inspect the teeth on both the starter gear and the flywheel. You may want to take it to an autostore and have them bench test it (usually free). Your solenoid might be weak too and it's not engaging the starter gear with the flywheel all the way.

 

Good call..anybody seen that loose?

 

Thanks a lot, i'm going to get under the car this weekend and check it out, hopefully it's not to bad...i haven't driven the car for a week now as to not screw anything else up, again thanks for the reply!

 

I think it is the starter gear(thats called a bendix gear right??not sure), or the flywheel....when the it doesn't catch, the starter spins strong(it takes about 5-7 seconds for it even to stop)so i'm pretty sure the starter is fine. Thanks for your help!