Last night (my car always breaks down around midnite, what's with that?!? I want sleep!!!!) after driving for about half an hour, I shut the car off. When i went to start it again 5 minutes later, it made an awful grinding/buzzing noise. It sounded to me like the starter wasn't engaging the engine. Does thjs mean I need a new starter?

Am i even going in the right direction here?

Thanks
~Chris

 

Yes, you are going in the right direction. The problem is likely related to the starter, either internally or possibly being loose on its mounting.

Internal problems can include a worn/damaged pinion gear, worn pinion overrunning clutch (Bendix), worn or damaged pinion engagement fork/linkage pivot pin, damaged main shaft, or weak solenoid.

Regardless of the specific problem, you're probably going to have to get under there and become more familiar with the starter.

 

Ok, thanks for the reply. Let me throw another wrinkle at you.

When it died, it was in my girlfriend's driveway, blocking everyone else. So I had to push it out of the way. After I got done pushing it, i tried again and it started up no problem. For part of the time, I did have it in gear, so i'm assuming the engine made a revolution or two. Does that mean that maybe I'm missing some flywheel teeth or something? Or am I over thinking this?

Thanks

~Chris

 

There might be something wrong with the flywheel. Just take off the dust cover, if it is there, and look over the whole flywheel. You should be able to see most of it with a light, but you are still going to have to turn it to see the whole thing. If it looks good, take the starter off while you are down there and get it tested. If it is good then put it back on and keep troubleshooting. If it is bad, replace it.
FBird

 

I had a similar problem on my 91 305 TPI Formula. Sometimes the starter wouldn't click or do anything. Discovered opening the car door and rocking the car a tiny bit while in gear (5-speed) would jostle things enough for the starter to fire her right up. Since it only did it once every 10 or so times I tried to start it, I put it off since my 383 swap was coming up.

Problem was strictly the starter. I actually had ball bearings fall out of it when I took it off the 305 to put it on the 383. Needless to say, I got another starter.

Good Luck!!!!