Turned the ignition key this afternoon and instead of the starter, rather casually cranking the engine as usual, I got a very loud screeching metallic sound coming from under the bonnet; not unlike when you try to start a car that's already running, but worse. Subsequent attempts started the car but with a noticeable new metallic clank/crunch just as the cranking started. Is my starter failing? '84 XJ6, 85k miles. Daily driver. Thanks in advance.

 

This condition can be caused by a faulty starter motor or a ring gear that is damaged.

Check the starter circuit and solenoid for correct operation. If all is in order, remove the starter motor then rotate and inspect the flex plate ring gear for damage to the teeth.

 

Or:


1. The bolts holding the starter are loose. Gears no longer engage
properly.


2. An electrical hang up allowing the starter to crank and remain engaged. Don't ask... the pain of it...


Hopefully the ring gear is tougher than the drive gear and it is the latter that has chunks missing from it's teeth. Been there in another critter decades ago.


Carl