Grinding on start up...

[TYSHO]

When I crank the motor, there is a grinding that appears right before the motor spins up to idle. Once the motor fires up, the grinding is gone.

What do you guys think it is?

A little background, I think the clutch is down to the rivets, you can hear squealing when the clutch disc is in the slip stage and there is a rough spinning noise, like the TOB or something.

Could it possibly be the clutch, or is it definately the starter?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Unless you have the clutch interlock switch bypassed, then you can rule out the clutch disc and rivet theory. Unless it isnt totally disengaging that is!

If it is completely disengaging, the only clutch items that would/could make noise would be the contact point between the TOB and the PP fingers.

 

[TYSHO]

Yes, I have the bypass and that's what really made me think it was the clutch, but then I started with the clutch pedal down and the same thing resulted. This started making me think it was more and likely the starter, or still the clutch disc hanging around in there.

I guess I should run down and pick up a starter tomorrow and see how the car acts after. Hopefully it will be okay. I still need to change that clutch, though. Especially after what I did tonight. I tried towing this Crown Vic down the street and luckly the strap fell off...I started smelling the clutch as I got out the car! Went back and got a truck to pull him back to his house......I would hate to be stranded at midnight with no help, so I helped!

 

[shoteen95]

my dads 93 ATX occasionaly makes a weird grinding noise. It's so intense that whenever i've experienced it, i've instantly let off the starter. Almost like the teeth on the starter arent engaging the teeth on the flywheel completely

 

[SHO Continental]

Almost like the teeth on the starter arent engaging the teeth on the flywheel completely

On my '93 a few months ago the starter came loose and what was still left would grind.. just as you say during startup, it did this for about 2 days then it stopped starting completely (I guess since the starter wasn't grounded) I just reinstalled it and it works fine again.. check to make sure your starter is still in!

 

[TYSHO]

Replaced the starter, which was still bolted up, and the problem went away. Thing is, it ate at the flywheel a little bit.

 

[Ishodu]

My starter made some weird sounds right after it fired up last year. After taking it apart and inspection I found that the bushings in side were totally worn out.