Starter Noise

CAUTION: Never operate starter for periods of more than 15 seconds. Excessive cranking can cause starter to overheat. Allow starter to cool for at least 2 minutes between operations.

A high-pitched whine, heard while cranking (before engine starts), but engine cranks and starts indicates excessive distance between starter pinion and flywheel. Check for bent flywheel. Check flywheel for excessive or unusual wear pattern.
Start engine and carefully touch outside diameter of flywheel with chalk. Chalk will show high point of tooth radial runout when engine is turned off. Turn engine off and rotate engine by hand so that marked teeth are in area of inspection.
If runout is present, flywheel may have to be replaced. If no runout is present, check starter drive gear and starter housing for any unusual conditions which may cause improper engagement. If starter is not meshing properly, replace starter.
NOTE: Starter motors are not shimmed.
If high-pitched whine is heard after engine starts and key is released, distance between starter pinion and flywheel is too short. Check flywheel runout. If runout is okay, replace starter.
If loud, siren-like whoop sound is heard after the engine starts, clutch is likely defective. Replace starter. If rumble, growl or knock is present as starter is coasting to a stop after starting engine, starter armature is bent or unbalanced. Replace starter.
If high pitched whine is heard during starting, check for bent flywheel. Check flywheel for excessive or unusual wear pattern. Start engine. Using chalk, mark high point of tooth axial runout.
If runout is present, replace flywheel. If no runout is present, starter gear or housing may be preventing gears from meshing properly. If starter is not engaging properly, replace starter.

NOTE: For additional trouble shooting information, refer to the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.