Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi Van,
I've recently changed the starter on my Z24, and it ran fine for a few days. Now all I get is a clicking sound when I turn the key. The battery is new (lights and elec dash are bright), and the alternator it less than 2 years old.
I'm about to go to court to sue a place that was supposed to remanufacture the engine back in October 2004, but that was one fiasco after another. They lost parts, took months to do the work, and when I IDID get the car back from them it leaked oil, antifreeze and tranny fluid. It wouldn't start reliably until I replaced the starter. When the car did start, it sounded like something was causing friction with possibly the flywheel. It sounded like someone was unsheathing a big medival sword.
Anyway, it's been doing ok since I've installed the new starter about 2 weeks ago. That metal "shing" sound had diminished a certain degree also. Then yesterday I went to start it, but all I got were clicks. I've also tried giving it a jump just to make sure it wasn't a battery issue. The new starter was also tested, and it checks out ok.
Any ideas?
Answer -
Well Paul,
Sounds like you have had a mess.
That shingy sound would probably be related to the flywheel. But the clicking starter shouldn't be caused by the flywheel. I would try jumping from the large stud on the starter, to the small one, to see if there is power enough to operate the starter on the car.
It is remotely possible, depending on the click, that the starter is actually engaging, but is unable to turn the engine for some reason. Can you turn the engine over by using the belt, or a wrench on the damper pulley?
Van
Hi Van, Please excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by "turn over"? Just turn the engine cold a few times? I'm getting the impression that when that last shop rushed to get my car done they did something that make the flywheel too tight for the starter. When I initially got my car back from the jerks who made this mess, a tow truck tried to get me started by giving me a jump, but that didn't work so he just towed me to a shop. That shop thought it was just the starter, but I had just put the new starter in there - then took it out to have it tested (tested good)since the problem persisted. Since this other shop wasn't equipted to fix it, I had it towed back. When the tow showed up back home with the car, the the car was able to start! That was about 2 weeks ago. Then like I said, it's been running fine ever since until Sunday morning. I'm suing the shop that caused this problem by the way, but in the meantime I have to get this problem solved. Hope the added info sheds some light. Any ideas?
Paul
AnswerHi Paul,
I mean with the starter off, use a screwdriver or little bar to pry against the teeth and rotate the flywheel/ engine, or use the belts and just pull, being careful not to catch your fingers.
You should be able to turn the crankshaft slowly by hand.
If not, it could be locked up.
I'm wondering if something on the flywheel is hitting the block or starter.
Van
