Another Starting Issue Thread

[LifIsPeachy02]

Ok, my car wont start when its cooled down. When i try to turn the key over it just makes a whinning noise. It sounds like the fuel pump but its coming from under the hood. We push started it yesterday so i could get it home. When i got home it turned it off and back on and it started fine. A few hours later i went out and it still started fine. But now this morning it wont start at all again. It makes the same whinning noise. Does someone know what this could be? I was thinking it was the starter gone bad.

 

[grnchevyz]

Yup...whining noise = starter gone bad.

I hate giving short answers but this one is

 

[chuckg]

Yup...whining noise = starter gone bad.

I second. This happend to me once, and luckily that's what it was.

 

[95talon_in_ma]

We push started it yesterday so i could get it home.....

I'd say ya pretty much answered your own question. Definitely starter related.

But there is one other possibility and the only (easy) way you'll know is to replace the starter first.
It is possible to have a cracked or worn out flywheel. The teeth are hardened, so usually it's the teeth on the starter that gives, but I have seen flywheels get chewed up from time to time. If it's cracked, then when it's warm the flywheel heats up and expands making it start easier, when it's cold, it bends slightly and the starter cannot reach it when it's in motion.

"Usually" when a starter solenoid goes, it tends to have a hard time starting when it's hot. You mentioned having the opposite problem which is odd.

I'd say replace the starter first, it's a 90% chance that's all it is. If you replace it and the same exact thing happens, drop your cover and inspect your flywheel with a fine "TOOTH" comb.. punn intended

 

[LifIsPeachy02]

There was a clutch put it the car about 20-30kmiles ago and we replaced the flywheel because mine was all screwed up. I thought it was the starter but i wasnt sure. Thanks.

 

[LifIsPeachy02]

Where is the starter?

 

[95talon_in_ma]

Where is the starter?

Underneath the intake manifold.
Best bet is to remove the battery. Remove the intake pipe.
You should be able to see it easily then. It's just two bolts.
Pull it out then remove the wires...