I need help. I'm putting this in the trans forum because I think I've narrowed it down to the flywheel.
PROBLEM: Grinding/rattling noise when I start the car. Sounds fine after it starts. Runs fine. Just noise when starting.
DETAIL: I did the 2200 to Ecotec swap about 5 months ago. Everything has been fine until about two weeks ago. It started to every once in awhile turn over for a half second and stop completely. Nothing with the key still forward trying to start. I'd turn it back to the off position and try again. Boom, start right up. Then last week it started to make a grinding or almost rattle noise as it was turning the engine over. I suspected loose starter bolts and decided to check it when I made it home, but had to stop at the county office to pay my house taxes. Came out, tried to start it, nothing. Turned the key a couple more times. Nothing. Silence.Called my dad and had him tap the starter while I turned the key. It started to whine as the starter gear spun but sounded like it wasn't making contact. Just free spinning. We decided to push start it to get it home. Drove it 20 minutes home no problems. Got it home and turned it off and restarted it again to see what was going on. Same rattle noise while starting. Talked to my mechanic Uncle and he suggested it was the starter. Bought a $200 new starter, put it in. Same exact freaking noise!! He suggested maybe shimming it out. Tried shimming to all kinds of different sizes until the starter got to a piont where it was free spinning. tried just shimming one side. same noise. checked the flywheel teeth and saw one laying under the car on the ground. By that piont I got pissed and quit. I have a spare 2200 Fidanza flywheel that I never used and thought I could maybe swap the teeth off that flywheel, but I want info before the starter destroys another set of teeth.
Any ideas?
My only thought is good luck with swapping the ring gears, if they fit.
Allen head bolts to the Fidanza 2200. BTW I have a Fidanza on the Ecotec now that broke a tooth.
I think they're the same but different crank holes and the 2200 is a half pound heavier.
i'd say your starter is probably engaging too far or not far enough... it just took some time for it to wear at the teeth
Don't you bottom out?
- Yes I do
