Within the last week I’ve noticed some issue when starting. Used to just start right up. Now it’s playing some games. sometimes it starts right away tho. Other times I’m getting almost a pots and pants rattle like sound. I wait a few seconds after like 2-3 more cranks it starts but I do hear a slight rattle but goes away after a few seconds. I changed my plugs,oil and fuel filter on Friday. So curious as to where I should begin this journey. Shocks are going in soon but want to handle this 1st. Gents- your guidance and wisdom always appreciated.

 

The starting problem may well be a different issue than the pots and pans noise. Or not.

To clarify, that starter is cranking the engine normally....but the engine can be hard to start?

Or .....the starter isn't cranking the engine normally?

A failing starter, if that's what we're talking about, can make some horrible sounds.

Cheers
DD

 

in my experience, the starter sometimes makes a rattle when cranking. My 1984 still has the same starter it had when I bought the car. Rattles come and rattles go but it has kept working since.

 

The rattling sound could be loose flywheel rivets, common earlier xj6 problem, idk about later but same trans and flywheel I think.

 

Thanks as always fellas. Here’s my deal. When I crank it for the 1st time of the day to start er up , it starts fine, maybe an occasional rattle after it starts but that only lasts for say 2-3 seconds. I go where I go, or do as I do and then shut the engine off. It’s that next attempt that it acts up. I’ll crank and its that pots and pan w a hint of grind. I stop cranking obviously and let it sit, may start right up after I crank again or after the 2nd or 3rd attempt.

 

Here is a sample

 

that clank clank noise AFTER the engine is running is not normal, sounds like the gear ( Bendix ?) is not retreating and is still hitting the flywheel teeth.

not worth repairing. Get one of the modern lightweight High Torque starters and be done with it

 

Thanks for info Jose. So you’re saying sounds like it’s a starter w one foot in the grave ?
Next time I go out to the garage, I’ll take a vid of the sound when it’s just straight pots pans grind.

 

yes, that is what it sounds like.
​​​https://www.classiccarperformance.co...-xj6-1973-1992

 

Thanks Jose.

 

you're welcome ! I will do the same when my starter starts to go !

 

I read a prior post about swapping the starter. Seems like a bridge too far for me to do. I took one out about 13 years ago but never had to put it back in (scrapped an 86 prior to buying a new one hoping to learn its guts) If my inner Doc Brown kicked in, I’d have filmed the whole scrap job.

 

Game on!!

 

Unfortunately I have to return this starter. It didn’t sit right when we installed it-wasn’t catching the fly wheel right. On a somewhat positive note - I I have 5 of the 6 shocks in. One of the front shocks I ordered was missing parts. Waiting on that as well. If all goes well - should be back on the road real soon.

 

Quick thought.....

Did you transfer the mounting spacer from the old starter to the new one? Part number C22488 in the illustration.



Cheers
DD

 

That mounting spacer wasn’t there.

 

Don't take this wrong but are you sure it isn't stuck on the old starter, under some grease and grime? It's easy to miss. I'm 99.9% sure they all used the spacer; I've never seen one without it. It would certainly change the starter-to-flywheel meshing.

Cheers
DD

 

In my later years I’ve been known to have goon brain on occasion so I’ll check as soon as I get to the garage.

 

Yup, bendix return spring loose or broken was my immediate thought.

 

Back in business!! Starter issue-suspension all fixed. We wound up using the starter I had- my mechanic rebuilt. Shocks - bushings etc make for a much smoother ride. I know longer feel like I’m driving a Leper.