My car has a starting problem and I can't seem to nail it down. When ya crank it over it'll pop off but doesn't stay running - starter/flywheel gears make that terrible grinding sound. Like you hear when someone trys to start a car that's already running. The car used to start great, then with in a span of about 4 months or so it has developed this problem. It's got the 2.2 OHV engine. Three years ago I had a new head put on it and the compression in all cylinders were with in spec. Once the car's started it runs great. I did pull the upper intake off and clean everything well. There was a lot of hydrocarbon build up inside. The build up around the IAC valve was pretty heavy. I replaced the injector O rings, plug wires, plugs and PCV valve. I checked the starter and starter/flywheel gear teeth and they look good. Anything else I should look at?

How old is the starter?. Sounds to me the bendix are arm is jamming, Inwhich could cause a grinding sound, Also could have a motor mount issue as well, That will make the starter contact grind too.

I would looking into that see what happens.

Good Luck.

rich weeks wrote:How old is the starter?. Sounds to me the bendix are arm is jamming, Inwhich could cause a grinding sound, Also could have a motor mount issue as well, That will make the starter contact grind too.

Motor mount issue??? Interesting. I'll pull the start off again and check that out.

My 04 had a similar problem, took me forever to nail it down. Mine only did it when the engine was cold though, ie after it had been sitting all day or overnight and once it warmed up it started and ran fine. Finally Lost my starter before i was able to get the problem nailed down, that wasn't cheap to say the least long and short i finally wound up getting a major engine decarbon and while he was in there the mechanic also adjusted a few things. Apparently in my case what was happening was the computer the primary one was getting a mixed signal and giving the engine too much fuel, once the mechanic adjusted that haven't had a problem with it since. Other than the occasional start and die right away and then crank and crank like it's struggling to turn back over but i think that part is normal with our cars.

btw, i should also note that right before i lost my starter it made a horrible scraping/grinding sound.

Solved it I believe. I replaced the timing chain/sprockets/tensioner - 2 day job. There was quite a bit of wear in the chain. Starts right up now. After that, the noise I meantioned went away - for about 2 days. Then that grinding sound came back. Turned out to be the AC clutch inners grinding away. I bought a shorted serp belt to bypass it and all is good. Except now I have a fuel injector that's leaking.

For what it's worth and too late now. I've read and been told, that the after market tensioners don't withstand the test of time. It is recommended that you get the GM tensioner. These units operate with a Metal spring that is heat set on its first use after installation. The longevity has something to do with the quality of the spring steel used. IF it reappears, go GM next time, the cost difference in minimal, I just did my gears, chain and tensioner, on the tensioner was GM I put in.

Dave

I'll keep that in mind. Now that I know what's involved, I could probably change the next one in 2-3 hours.

Too bad your not in Az winterfire, or i'd let you pull my chain and tensioner get it out of the way i figure with 135k on the clock i'm probably overdue anyway.