High pitch whine sound when cold starting

1994 GEO TRACKER
160,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
WHSW2002
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Recently had my starter replaced due to vehicle not starting and troubleshooting indicated the starter being the problem. After the new starter was installed, I started hearing a high pitched whine after my Tracer turned over. It lasted several seconds than shut off. It only happened after a cold start.
While removing the new starter (replacement is covered under warranty), noticed several damaged teeth on the flywheel. Now my problem is which caused the damage to the other?
I just had my transmission rebuilt a month ago and a flywheel inspection is part of that job. I have been using the same shop (known the same owner as well) for 15+ years without any problems. He states that any damage should have been noticed by his mechanics.

Since the starter problem got above my ability, I took it to a local shop to check out. They texted the damaged teeth after the new starter was whining. They are just looking at it as a new job costing $1,000.00 (parts and labor). So, no one noticed any damage to the flywheel before the starter was replaced.

My problem (and question) is this. There was no whine before the starter was replaced. So, is it more likely that the starter Bendix gear caused damage to the flywheel (perhaps not disengaging like it was supposed to) or is it the damaged flywheel causing damage to the starter? I have no real experience in this area because I have never had this problem before. I would appreciate someone, an unbiased third party else s opinion and reasons.
Aug 25, 2018 at 5:20 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It sounds like the replacement starter had a weak return spring for the pinon gear which would contact the flywheel causing the damage. Can I ask the manufacturer of the starter rebuild? or was it new? Also this can occur if the starter was installed incorrectly.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 27, 2018 at 11:20 AM
Avatar
WHSW2002
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks for the information, Ken. I have not heard from the mechanic who installed the “new” starter. It was a rebuilt starter but with a lifetime warranty. As you can imagine, I am very concerned about the flywheel damage since it is not an easy or inexpensive repair. Something else that is beyond my ability to fix myself.
Aug 27, 2018 at 3:29 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WHSW2002
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The starter is a NAPA remanufacture. I just spoken with manager of the repair shop, who has gotten more involved. They have a replacement starter and have test benched it (connecting to a battery to check it out prior to installation).
There is the usual finger pointing between the repair shop and the folks who rebuilt my transmission regarding the flywheel. So I will be running that to ground tomorrow.

It is great to have a neutral reference where I can get accurate information. I sure do appreciate it.
Aug 27, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
No problem that is what we are here for. :) Here is a video that shows a transmission being remove which is what you must do to replace the flywheel:

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 28, 2018 at 10:15 AM