Good evening,


On occasion I get a horrible grinding noise for a few seconds after I start the car. I've swapped out the starter relay and lubricated the ignition switch thinking that it might be sticking. I thought that had taken care of the problem but it was back again today. I only hear the noise when starting the engine after it has been run awhile. I'm thinking the starter bendix is sticking. Before I take things apart, has anyone else run into this problem? If it is the bendix, what lube should be used? Car has 54K miles.
Thanks, Mitch

 

Fesiwig, I have the same car and also get the noise from my starter. I believe it is caused by the gear not withdrawing from the flywheel quick enough. I have not taken the starter off the engine yet as it isn't getting any worse and does not seem to be causing tooth damage. I probably should look into this and see if lubing the shaft the gear runs on would help. I most likely will just replace the starter because they aren't all that expensive.
Cheers, RagJag.

 

Well it's good to know I'm not alone. However, I've found that things that don't work as designed get to the point where they don't work. A new starter might be the answer but if a little of the right kind of lube will free up a sticking part to address the issue, that would certainly be better....


thanks, Mitch

 

Have a 1996 XJS AJ16 with the same problem, happen twice last summer. About to take starter off and get it and solenoid rebuild. Any suggestions on removal.
Snowball

 

Just looking at the starter, it looks simple enough. Remove the wires from the solenoid and the two bolts and the starter should pull out. I haven't done this on this car but have on many others. Update us if you do this, please.
Cheers, RagJag

 

Took Starter off. Undid wire to at firewall first, then top bolt ( because of others who have ran into problems) no problem ( flex head rachet with extension on handle, 13mm), next bottom bolt. The real problem for me was getting the starter off, tapped with hammer, pry bar then acouple dosings of penatrating oil and pry bar, finally wedged off. Undid wires on back of solenoid, removed oil dip stick tube with dip stick in, rubber gromet stays in pan and starter out the bottom. Benix gear damaged abit, will let you know what rebuilder has to say. Will take it in tomorrow.
Snowball

 

Thanks, Snowball. I may do mine Saturday if it is warm enough. Curious as to why the top bolt should be removed first.
RagJag

 

No reason to start with top bolt, just I had read that some people had problems with it. I thought I would solve that first.
Welsh has new starter complete $150, rebuilt $125.
Snowball