starter problem

[samwiseg27]

Hey I have a 1997 2g Eclipse with a 6 bolt swap. I've been having issues with the starter, it started making a scratch sound and didn't want to start. So I've replaced it about 3 times now but for some reason it keeps making a nasty scratch sound and doesn't want to start. I can't figure out what it is. I've replaced the starter, cables, and put a new battery in. Once I put in the new starters, they worked fine for the first couple starts but then it stops working and scratches. Can anyone please help? Everything was replaced correctly.

Thanks.

 

[TsiJohn333]

Instead of it being the starter, it coud be the teeth on the flywheel where the starter meets it starting to wear down causing it to slip.

 

[renovatdkitchen]

My last starter, one of the sides that has a bolt going through it to the tranny broke (on the starter). Crazy stuff.

 

[samwiseg27]

I checked the fly wheel with a mirror, the teeth look perfect, so it's not that. Yeah! I had the same thing happen to one of my starters, I guess that's from over tightening it. But yeah I have no idea whats going on. Flywheel is good, new starter, new cables, new battery. I mean what else can I do?

 

[NHerron]

Get the car to make that scratching sound again, disconnect the battery ground, pull the starter, then with your flashlight take a peek into the bellshousing and check out that flywheel. Like John said, it might be teeth worn down on the flywheel

*too late.

So you can't get it to start? And when this scratching sound occurs, the engine sounds like it's still cranking? Meaning, the starter isn't freespinning, right?

 

[samwiseg27]

The Flywheel teeth look fine I've already checked that out. No, so when I turn the key it just makes a nasty scratch sound and doesn't want to start. No its not free spinning, but I mean I can pop start it and it drives perfect, it's just something weird with the starter to the flywheel. I thought my old battery might not be giving it enough juice but I just replaced that today and still the same exact thing.

 

[luv2rallye]

Get the right starter plate? On a 2g starter plates are different on AWD vs FWD. Perhaps they are different on a 6 bolt? http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/mai...64-after-few-starts-whizzz.html#post152565587

 

[NHerron]

When you pop start it, does it still make the sound while running or idling? Does the sound vary when you push the clutch in? Suspect a foreign object in the bellhousing maybe?

You can pull the inspection cover (02105), it's got 3, 10mm bolts one on bottom of bellhousing and two near the oil pan flange, that will slide right out and can see if something is rubbing

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[samwiseg27]

Huh. I have to look into the starter plate then maybe, that could be the issue here. That could really be the issue because my 2g was a GST and we converted it into a GSX. The starter is exactly the same but apparently AWD and FWD have different flywheel teeth and the starter plate lines it up nicely. I'm going to try that.

When it's pop started, it runs perfect. No weird noises and the starter is disengaged. I don't think anything is rubbing there. I'll look into that after i try the starter plate and see if that resolves the issue.

Thanks for the help everyone! I'll let ya know if the starter plate was the issue. Otherwise you'll probably see this reposted haha.

 

[NHerron]

Which part did you reuse from the FWD to AWD swap? Yes you're right, the flywheels are different and so are the starter plates. You need to match the starter plate & flywheel to the transmission

The AWD flywheel is a bit smaller to clear the transmission output shaft to transfer case. And since the flywheels are different between FWD & AWD, the starter plates must now position the starter closer in or further out. With that in mind, the FWD & AWD starters are the same though

 

[1gslotsi]

Nice info guys curious to see what you find keep us posted

 

[samwiseg27]

Is it even necessary to have to starter plate in there? Would it work the same if there wasn't one because it's just making more distance between the starter and flywheel... you want the starter as close as possible and I don't think it would keep the starter running when the car is on.

Any thoughts on that?

 

[bryanwheat]

Is it even necessary to have to starter plate in there? Would it work the same if there wasn't one because it's just making more distance between the starter and flywheel... you want the starter as close as possible and I don't think it would keep the starter running when the car is on.

Any thoughts on that?

The starter plate is totally necessary. It is what holds the starter in alignment. There is a big hole in it that the starter fits tight in. Without it the starter will move and can break the ears off the starter housing.

 

[samwiseg27]

Okay thanks. Well ill just have to order an AWD starter plate and see what happens.

Thanks again guys your awesome. I'll let you know what happens

 

[samwiseg27]

So, i took off the tranny, replaced the flywheel, put on the awd starter plate

its kinda scratching a little but its starting fine now. thanks for the info guys you rock.

 

[NHerron]

Good deal man, glad everything worked out!