odd noise when starting engine!

[tallblondkid]

it began about a month ago. When i start the engine its a loud grinding-kinda noise that occurs as the engine is cranking and stops once the engine is started. it doesnt always do it, maybe half the time. i have no idea what it could be.

[username011]

Mine too.. it sounds like it is coming from the front passenger side for me.

[Deadphishy]

Could be the starter motor. When they get old the gear can get hung up and not release from the flywheel. Could also be the idle pulley.

[urthworm]

mine does it only when its cold.. its the starter. This is the second winter its done it so i dont think its anything to worry to much about.

[smykhaisouk]

yup it sure is the starter. this will be my 3rd winter with it. im curious to know how bad its eating up the flywheel or starter gear?? i hear its a pain in the ass to replace too.

[cantonep3]

mine does it only when its cold or when my cars sits for more than 4 days. Freaks me out. Only happens on the first start. But if I leave it alone say go to work park for 8hrs it will do it again. I always do the half start and it is a work around. Just turn the key for a second then back off. Then turn it again and normaly dont hear it.

[tallblondkid]

so a fix is replacing the starter? or the starter gear?... or..?
i really hate hearing it, but i also dont want to grind the teeth off the starter gear or the flywheel

[talonXracer]

It is the starter, mine has done it for three winters now, I might decide to replace the starter one of these days. The grease on the bendix is shot, as in it becomes stiff at low temps. A quality synthetic grease will do wonders if you want to go thru all that trouble.

[civictype_r04]

It is the starter, mine has done it for three winters now, I might decide to replace the starter one of these days. The grease on the bendix is shot, as in it becomes stiff at low temps. A quality synthetic grease will do wonders if you want to go thru all that trouble.

Same here just don't feel like doing it.... haha

[tallblondkid]

whats the trouble? its just pulling the starter out and greasing the bendix right?

EDIT: where is the starter? lol

[civictype_r04]

whats the trouble? its just pulling the starter out and greasing the bendix right?

EDIT: where is the starter? lol

Its under the intake manifold! Thats why its a pain!!!

[USAF EP3]

I find it hilarious how when winter rolls around, threads about this issue show up. It's like clockwork :laugh:

[VividSI]

usually mine will do it after the motor turns over for a scraping grinding noise but now its getting worse and starts making the same noise as soon as i turn the key and it keeps doing it after the motor turns over for 1 sec. I just ordered a Duralast/Denso Starter from autozone for $127 and ill install it in a few weeks. Im usually all OEM but for this repair i just didnt feel like spending $450 for a new OEM one.

[talonXracer]

I just ordered a Duralast/Denso Starter from autozone for $127 and ill install it in a few weeks. Im usually all OEM but for this repair i just didnt feel like spending $450 for a new OEM one.

Thats for sure! For starters and the Alternators I prefer to get a remand, they surely save ya some bucks!

[VividSI]

just got it installed and it sounds much better than the oem before it had problems. i guess i lost that classic civic start up sound but im happy with the new one.

[j.lai]

Mine does that when its super cold outside. What side effects are there if you don't replace the starter other than the cranking sound? I don't feel like spending the money on a starter yet when I can spend it on more parts unless it has a serious effect on the car.

[KevinEP3]

Mine has been making the same noise and I also noticed it does it more when it's cold. But since my rod snapped I'm going to replace the starter and clutch when they swap the engine - save some money on labor.

[SkareKrow]

It is the starter, mine has done it for three winters now, I might decide to replace the starter one of these days. The grease on the bendix is shot, as in it becomes stiff at low temps. A quality synthetic grease will do wonders if you want to go thru all that trouble.
Bump for DIY! 8ˆ)

whats the trouble? its just pulling the starter out and greasing the bendix right?

EDIT: where is the starter? lol

LoL same thing I was about to ask!

[tallblondkid]

Bump for DIY! 8ˆ)


LoL same thing I was about to ask!

lol funny thing is i have taken my car apart and put it back together... twice probably... but have never touched the starter and was thinking it was on the tranny like bseries then realized i have never touched it and i have taken my tranny off prob 5 times... but its under the intake manifold.. found it

[02TWSI]

my car does the same thing, very embarrassing imo. sounds like I'm over turning the car.