Loud Screeching/Grinding Noise When Starting. What Caused This On My Vehicle

In this video I share some audio of a noise that my starter was making and why it was making this noise. It was making a screeching/ grinding noise when I'd go to start my vehicle and it was doing this because the starter gear was not fully engaging the flywheel when I attempted to start the vehicle. Instead of the gear spinning out all the way and fully engaging the teeth of the flywheel, aka flexplate, it was only spinning out part way and grinding into the teeth of the flywheel. Of course when the starter would do this the vehicle would not start. After a few attempts at starting the vehicle the starter would eventually engage and start the engine.

Note: as mentioned in the video there are a number of things that can cause a similar symptom. This is just how my starter failed and the noise that it made. This video is not a comprehensive video on how to fully and properly diagnose a starter or starting issues. It's not even a comprehensive video on how to properly diagnose and repair the symptom of a screeching/ grinding noise when starting. This is just a quick video demonstrating a noise and its cause with added information about a few other things to check when this symptom is experienced. Use the information found in this video at your own risk. Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that proper diagnosis and repair will be made by using this video.

While this is a simple video and does not contain all information you may need when diagnosing your starter the information you need is probably just a click away. A quick google search on.. "how to test a starter", "how to diagnose a starter", "what does a grinding noise mean when I start my vehicle"...etc will place a huge amount of information at your finger tips that may very well help you diagnose your issue further. Here are some quick links to a few sites that I saw that I believe may help some...

https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/signs-of-a-bad-starter/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-the-grinding-noise-when-starting-a-car

https://dannysengineportal.com/starter-problems-what-do-you-hear-when-you-try-to-start-your-car/

The forum linked below has some great pics of damaged teeth on a flywheel....So you have some kind of example. Typically the teeth will be straight and not have rounded or worn edges....."typically". As mentioned in the video, the flywheel can be inspected by turning the crankshaft a little at a time while inspecting the teeth of the flywheel though the opening that the starter mounts into. The crankshaft can be rotated by placing a socket and ratchet on the crank bolt and rotating the crank. (always turn the crank in the direction that the engine normally spins in when running.) ⚠️ ⚠️Anytime you are underneath a vehicle it should be supported and secured in place properly. Find this information in your repair manual. Injury can occur if this is not done correctly. ⚠️ ⚠️

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-magnette-forum.27/flywheel-teeth-repair.4185100/

It's fair to also point out the amount of oil and crud that had built up on my starter. I have oil and coolant leaks. The starter had become soaked with oil due to this and coolant leaking on it also isn't helping matters too. If you have oil leaks and or coolant leaks that are allowing coolant or oil to get on and in your starter then it would be highly advised to repair such leaks. Contaminants getting on and in the starter can cause premature failure of the starter.

DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual.

Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guarantee a proper repair using these techniques.