starting troubleshooting

[millertime]

my car starts fine but every time I start it, it makes this squealing noise, not like a belt noise, it only lasts for a second or two and stops. Car runs fine, but I figured that it isn't supposed to do that.

can anyone help?

 

[96TSi_Chris]

Could be your starter on the outs.

 

[luv2rallye]

Also make sure your harmonic balancer isn't separating.

 

[Defiant]

^ ^ ^ It's the harmonic balancer, just like always on a DSM.

 

[millertime]

how hard is it to replace the harmonic balancer. and why does it only do it at start-up?

 

[luv2rallye]

Loosen all drive belts completely. Remove LF wheel and shroud. Remove 4 bolts holding harmonic balancer (crank pulley) and wiggle off (tap with hammer if needed). Put dent in pocket book getting a new one or risk similar problem with used one. Reverse proceedure.

Defiant knows why it only does it at startup but be greatful for the indication. If not fixed it can later cause major damage when it collapses.

 

[Defiant]

It's both the amount of torque to get moving from 0, and the slight bit of slack a non-moving bunch of belts will have. Once started, the flywheel effect of the alternator, PS pump and AC pulley will help the harmonic balancer's rim keep engaged with the hub through the failing rubber insulators.

Timing belts most often shear teeth at startup, shutdown or idle, for the same reasons.

 

[millertime]

I saw this looking for the harmonic balencer, If I going to spend some money I might as well get some hp out of it, since the kit comes with the HB. what do you guys think about this OBX kit

http://www.obxracingsports.com/performance.cfm?catid=3&subCatID=18&subCat2ID=2

 

[millertime]

I was checking out the noise today and it seems to be coming from the starter...

 

[MNGSX]

Its the drive gear on the starter.