Car sometimes starts

[17andCrazy]

Alright well heres my problem...

my car starts just fine, turn the key, it rips right open. but every now and then when the engine isnt cold, it wont start. just nothing. turn the key and you hear the fuel pump. i had someone turn it over for me and the solinoid still clicks ONCE. once i wait for the engine to cool down again it starts up just fine.

so...

i figured it cant be the starter because if it was... it would never start.

might be the battery... but i checked it and thats all OK

so its one of three things...

1. battery connections are not on tight enough (one was actually a little loose, so i tightened it)

2. connection to the starter was bad (cant reach the dam thing!!)

3. solinoid is just plain bad

now i called the mitsubishi dealers around my area and they want $180 for labor and close to $200 for the starter itself. so... i dont exactly want to toss $400 into a winter beater. i would much rather do it myself. anyone have any links on installs made easy or have any previous knowledge of installing one?

maybe its not the starter at all? someone please help, i need to know by this afternoon so i can go home if need be to fix this.

 

[17andCrazy]

well i replaced the starter. i dont know if it will start every time now but there is two new noises...

1. high pitch whistle of a brand new starter

2. a grinding sound...

anyone know what that could be? chip in flywheel?? :thumbdown: