Help, Diagnosing Starter Problem 99 OBS

[RudieValdes]

Hi all,

 

Great site. Have gotten great info in the past.

 

I have a '99 Outback Sport (2.2L) with 60K miles.

For the last couple of weeks, upon turning the ignition key I would hear a high pitch grinding noise, and the engine wouldn't turn over. I'd try again and the car would start right away. Last night, all my attempts at starting the car were greeted by that same sound. Luckly, I live in a hilly area and was able to pop the clutch to get the car going. This morning the car started without a problem.

 

I suspect that the starter motor is on it's way out. My mechanic said it would be around $400 for the job.

 

From everything I've read on this site and others, this looks like it's a fairly straight job that I'm willing to undertake.

 

I'd like to know if (1) I've diagnosed the problem correctly? Where's the best (in other words - cheapest) place I can get a starter from (online or brick & mortar - I live in the SF/Bay Area)? Are there other more serious problems with the same symptoms? Is this how long a starter usually lasts (60K)? And lastly, any tips or gotchas (other than the ones on this site) I should watch out for when attempting this repair?

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

RudieValdes

[lmdew]

It's and easy job, two mount bolts and the wires to the starter. I'd check to make sure your cable were clean and tight. 60K is low miles for the starter to go.

 

A used starter will be the cheapest, but any good rebuild will get you going.

 

You could also pull the starter and have it checked by a starter rebuild place.

 

Later, Larry

[Skip]

All of what Larry says is true

I would like to add.

 

 

The problem you are experiencing is the starter "bendix" is not engaging with the teeth in the flywheel properly.

 

Prolonged use in this condition will remove the teeth on the flywheel. Requiring engine or transmission removal.

 

This may have already occurred.

 

The engine when shut off, stops at only two locations.

1 or 3 on compression

2 or 4 on compression

 

So as you continue to grind, the teeth on the flywheel in these two locations are in jeopardy.

 

If you choose to do the job yourself, get a mirror and look at the flywheel teeth.

 

Good luck

[northguy]

The whine noise you describe is the bendix going out. Mr. Dew is correct in his appraisal of it being a bit early for this to happen. He is also correct in his choice of : used (from a j/y) then rebuilt. And certainly replacement is a di-it-yoursewlf job. Caution: disconnect the starter first, just in case someone wants to start it while you're working on it.

[Skip]

minor edit

Northguy says

" Caution: disconnect the starter first"

 

I believe he means "battery"

[idosubaru]

60,000 seems way early.

 

i'd double check your battery and starter connections first. make sure all are tight. autozone/advance auto parts will check starters for free.

 

depends how much you drive, $, how long you plan on having it, reliability concerns. if you were in college i'd say get a used one for cheap. if you don't care about the loot, then get a rebuilt one for better reliability though a used one should last awhile....longer than 60,000 for sure.

 

rebuilding the starter yourself is simple and very cheap. locating the parts is the tricky part. you need brushes and the solenoid i think, though i've never actually done an OBS. an electrical shop/distributor/supply house can give you the right parts. if you live close to a big city you should be able to find one of these (i found a huge supplier in atlanta years ago that stocked these parts, very inexpensive). if you have an electrical automotive rebuilder close by you should be able to take them the brushes and solenoid and they can hook you up with new ones and put it back together. don't forget to clean everything up real good with electrical contact cleaner (just a non-residue cleaner is all it is). spray internals down really good except greased areas (bearings). the details are making it sound more difficult than it is.

 

my XT6 is at 207,000 miles on the original starter (unless it was replaced pre-100,000 when i got it, but i highly doubt it). owned another XT6 from 75,000 - 196,000 miles on the original starter (had all the original owners paper work - starter was never replaced). i keep meaning to rebuild this joker but never get around to it.

[northguy]

minor edit

Northguy says

" Caution: disconnect the starter first"

 

I believe he means "battery"

Thanks Skip. It was an error - too early Saturday morning.

[RudieValdes]

Thanks guys for the advice. I now have the confidence to pop the hood and do some tinkering.

 

Oddly enough I just noticed a starter/alternator shop in town today. I'll start with them and see if they have a rebuilt one or can rebuild mine.

 

RudieValdes

[Gnuman]

Thanks guys for the advice. I now have the confidence to pop the hood and do some tinkering.

 

Oddly enough I just noticed a starter/alternator shop in town today. I'll start with them and see if they have a rebuilt one or can rebuild mine.

 

RudieValdes

Rudy, SAW (the shop you saw) is a great shop and they will try very hard to do well by you (I've used them before). If you need any help, I'm close by and can be called upon to help (check your private messages for my contact info). Also there is a "Meet&Greet" at the Barnes&Nobel in the El Cerrito Plaza for Bay Area (or anyone willing to drive the distance) USMB members next Saturday (the 15th). Several of us plan on being there. Come on down and meet a bunch of us! If your flywheel is at all chewed up, contact me, as I can help you get a new one in there (I've pulled a few trannies in my day. . .)