Grinding sound seconds after cars started.

[Deneo]

hey guys

When start i start my 5 litre i get a Mad grinding sounds seconds after the car is started. It's coming from the engine bay so i'm assuming the starter motor isn't returning quick enough and grinding the flywheel? or am i completely off track?

Thanks
Deneo.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

can you attach an audio clip?

[Downfall]

u probly turn the key to far

[ss905l]

main bearings??

[strgas]

does the sound go away after a time or continue

[Deneo]

The duration of the sound is about 2-3 seconds and then it stops, Doesn't sound like a bearing and only does it when it's started. and no i'm not holding the key too long lol.

[strgas]

sounds like back spin of the starter motor gear , your starter motor alignment and clearance between the gears maybe to close or the return spring may be weak or broken , remove and check your starter motor gear for wear and tear check the return spring and contact pattern on the gear .

[Deneo]

Thanks for that Strgas, I thought it sounded like a starter motor problem, I'll get under it and have a look, Is the problem a Concern or Will it be fine until i can get under there?

[strgas]

could be the start of a bearing failure in the starter or the one-way clutch , have had starters make similar noise's for weeks before they have failed .

[azzfox]

Does the oil light stay on when its grinding? If not then no doubt a starter motor issue. Lack of oil pressure on start up usually is a knocking sound from the big ends.

[Deneo]

nah just went out and the oil light doesn't stay on, So it's a starter problem, Thanks guys.

[hako]

It could also be the starter relay that supplies power to the starter motor solenoid - it could have burnt points which don't open immediately you release the key from start - this will cause the starter to jam on for a few seconds.
To double check it is the starter, get someone to start it for you whilst you get your head as close as possible to the starter motor area.
Another possibility is the engine driven thermo fan which may have bad bearings.

[Deneo]

Thanks hako, It's a distinctive starter motor sound though. The relay idea sounds pretty much spot on mate, sounds like the starter motor is still engages for a second or 2. Should i change the relay over and see if it helps? Thanks mate.

[moff_man]

driving on dusty roads causes build up in the starter drive, just needs a good clean and lub with graphite powder or something that wont attract dust. living in the country and being in a dealership we get a ship load of them. manily v6's tho