what does an automatic starter turn? looking for part #

[foxracing4500]

While I was replacing my transfer case I remember looking at something that looked like a flywheel but I knew it was used for the starter. What is that thing called? I could kick my own ass because I take alot of pictures when I DIY but this time I didnt and I remember the teeth looking a little worn down. Which is probably why my car doesnt start fast anymore.

Also is this a part where I can have a welder fix it or should I just replace it? and do I have to tear my engine apart?

 

[007jimmy]

Torque converter. I would not weld the worn teeth. If your car is starting slow, maybe the starter is beginning to die.

 

[BogusSVO]

You have the Bendix in the starter nose cone (small gear) that engauges the ring gear (large gear) commonly found on the flywheel/flexplate (common), and in some cases the torque converter.(rare)

 

[007jimmy]

On my auto tranny the starter bendix engages on the teeth that surrounds the torque converter.

 

[foxracing4500]

damnit! I thought it was the torque converter.

So is that why it chugs for 1-2 seconds and then I hear a sound like a dremmel spinning?

 

[BogusSVO]

That sounds more like a weak bendix. so it may need the starter replaced and not the torque converter/ring gear.

Thanks Jimmy, I did not know that the ring gear was on the torque converter on a Mitsu, The only car company that came to mind that did that was Chrysler.

 

[007jimmy]

Sounds like the teeth are worn on either the starter or converter. Possibly both. My converter has a few nicks due to the PO turning the key with the car already started causing the gears to grind.

 

[foxracing4500]

That sounds more like a weak bendix. so it may need the starter replaced and not the torque converter/ring gear.

Thanks Jimmy, I did not know that the ring gear was on the torque converter on a Mitsu, The only car company that came to mind that did that was Chrysler.

Sounds like the teeth are worn on either the starter or converter. Possibly both. My converter has a few nicks due to the PO turning the key with the car already started causing the gears to grind.

lots of great info, I came across this image just to get a better look, but I will take my starter off tomorrow and check it out. IF it is my converter this could be a bad/good thing considering I wanted a better high stall converter.

also do you think my 4g wire might be a bottleneck @ supplying power to the starter?

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[BogusSVO]

It is hard to check for a bad bendix.

It kicks out to engauge the ring gear, then retracts.

With the "dremel sound" you have the bendix gear can free spin.

Now if you check it outside the car, with jumper cables and a hot batt. You may see it kick out, but with out a load on it, you will not be able to tell if it going to free spin.

At a parts store, when they test it, all they are doing is checking the motor side of the starter.

Now if you have a spare starter laying around, I say swap that in, and see if the dremel sound goes away.

 

[007jimmy]

The wiring should be fine. Before my original starter went, it would work intermittent and very very sluggish. Then it just stopped working. Had to use the ol' wrench whack on it till i got a replacement. There is also an inspection plate on the bottom of the trans next to the oil pan so you can shine a light in there to see the wear on the converter teeth. Its 3 bolts.

 

[foxracing4500]

It is hard to check for a bad bendix.

It kicks out to engauge the ring gear, then retracts.

With the "dremel sound" you have the bendix gear can free spin.

Now if you check it outside the car, with jumper cables and a hot batt. You may see it kick out, but with out a load on it, you will not be able to tell if it going to free spin.

At a parts store, when they test it, all they are doing is checking the motor side of the starter.

Now if you have a spare starter laying around, I say swap that in, and see if the dremel sound goes away.

i will make a junkyard trip here soon and snag one, I can see how it would be hard to see it kick out but I am positive thats what its doing. Also I will get a pic of the teeth here soon.

just to be sure on 2g the manual and auto are different right?

 

[007jimmy]

You will definetly need a auto starter.