Is my starter going bad?

[Nova_Dust]

B20 engine with Spoon flywheel, 5 speed transmission.

Once in a blue moon, when I start the car, it will not crank over but instead, making this grinding sound - the same sound when you turn the key over after the engine has started.

It is happening about once a week now. It just did it again yesterday and all I could do is wait it out. Like wait for a minute then try my luck again. Most of the time, the engine fires. Sometimes, it keeps on grinding after 5 or 6 tries.

I was told it is the starter. I was also told it is due to the light flywheel, something about the gear not be able to catch the flywheel teeth. I have no idea.

I have never dealt with the starter before, any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

ps. I take that all B series with manual engine use the same starter, regardless of year or VTEC/nonVTEC? and it should be a fairly simple thing to replace right? Like 2 bolts and 2 cables and it comes right out?

Thanks HADA.

[1999_ITR]

Sounds like a flywheel issue. I have seen spoon flywheels(as well as others) over time having this issue of not being able to mesh with the starter. You can rock the car back and forth in gear then try starting again and it should work. Kind of a pain in the ass though.

[wildoutwhitegsr]

^^^

I agree. I have also seen this issue with JUN flywheels....I guess it must be flywheels that are made based on JDM configurations.

[Nova_Dust]

Oh? So it is flywheel then. Rock the car back and forth... so like shift into 1st, 3rd, 4th... just shift around then start again I guess?

Thanks, I will do that next time.

However, do you guys think this "problem" might induce further issues down the road?

[wildoutwhitegsr]

Depends on how bad it is.....worst case scenario you'll prematurely wear of the teeth on the flywheel and won't be able to start the car at all.

[1999_ITR]

When I say rock the car back and forth I mean you have to put it in 1st gear and get out and rock the car back and forth by pushing it lol...Pain in the ass but it works.

[Nova_Dust]

Depends on how bad it is.....worst case scenario you'll prematurely wear of the teeth on the flywheel and won't be able to start the car at all.

mmm, that does sound bad, but engine came with the flywheel and thank god it doesn't happen all that often, I guess if that is the case, then I will replace what is needed.

Thanks

[Nova_Dust]

When I say rock the car back and forth I mean you have to put it in 1st gear and get out and rock the car back and forth by pushing it lol...Pain in the ass but it works.

lol, I will do that next time when it happens again :D