Grinding Noise when starting

I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with my 1988
Toyota truck. Just recently when I turn on the truck, it makes a short
grinding (or grating noise). The noise only lasts for a few seconds, and
then the truck runs fine. Although it is a '88 truck, it only has 26,000
miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

"MEHM" <cox@alaska.net> wrote in message
news:8ffaccc7f51611dbf1c828be544b143d@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...[color=blue]
>I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with my 1988
> Toyota truck. Just recently when I turn on the truck, it makes a short
> grinding (or grating noise). The noise only lasts for a few seconds, and
> then the truck runs fine. Although it is a '88 truck, it only has 26,000
> miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
>[/color]
You may have some worn gear teeth on the starter or flywheel. Does it always
do it or just sometimes?

Thank you for taking the time to write. The grinding just starting, but it
is now happening everytime I start it. This is sounding very expensive!

"MEHM" <cox@alaska.net> wrote in message
news:62791c142633da8b327437e9cb6d489c@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...[color=blue]
> Thank you for taking the time to write. The grinding just starting, but
> it
> is now happening everytime I start it. This is sounding very expensive!
>[/color]

I would have the battery and charging system checked. I know Autozone and
Advance Auto stores will check it for free. Check for loose or corroded
cables. Make sure the starter is not missing any bolts (You can have someome
crank the truck while you are watching the starter to see of there is any
movement). Of course while not standing directly in front, just in case. :)
Has the starter ever been replaced? If it's the starter, I would have
whoever replaces it visually check all of the teeth on the flywheel while
they are at it.

MEHM wrote:[color=blue]
> I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with my
> 1988 Toyota truck. Just recently when I turn on the truck, it makes
> a short grinding (or grating noise). The noise only lasts for a few
> seconds, and then the truck runs fine. Although it is a '88 truck,
> it only has 26,000 miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> Thank you![/color]

You could have a loose starter which would let the starter nose and/or gear
grind on flywheel or the starter drive gear may be sticking.
Check for loose starter and if that's not it I'd remove starter and bench
test. If it is a sticking drive gear it will damage flywheel to the point it
will have to be replaced. If you remove starter check flywheel teeth to
ensure they are ok and flywheel isn't loose or gear ring isn't loose on
flywheel. Flywheel teeth can have a little damage on the leading edge before
they have to be replaced.
HTH, davidj92

With that few miles on it - I bet the starter is all rusty inside or the
grease is hardened and the gear that engages the flysheel isn't able to run
free/release.. I'd pull the starter and thoroughly clean it (or swap it for
a rebuilt one - I prefer the original over a rebuilt one ) before it eats
the teeth off the flywheel. Here's link to instructions on how to remove
the starter:
[url]http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/[/url]


"davidj92" <davidj92@sigecom.net> wrote in message
news:q-qdnaS_7boJCkzfRVn-qA@sigecom.net...[color=blue]
> MEHM wrote:[color=green]
>> I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with my
>> 1988 Toyota truck. Just recently when I turn on the truck, it makes
>> a short grinding (or grating noise). The noise only lasts for a few
>> seconds, and then the truck runs fine. Although it is a '88 truck,
>> it only has 26,000 miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>> Thank you![/color]
>
> You could have a loose starter which would let the starter nose and/or
> gear grind on flywheel or the starter drive gear may be sticking.
> Check for loose starter and if that's not it I'd remove starter and bench
> test. If it is a sticking drive gear it will damage flywheel to the point
> it will have to be replaced. If you remove starter check flywheel teeth to
> ensure they are ok and flywheel isn't loose or gear ring isn't loose on
> flywheel. Flywheel teeth can have a little damage on the leading edge
> before they have to be replaced.
> HTH, davidj92
>[/color]

[Tercel GTS]

[QUOTE=davidj92]MEHM wrote:[color=blue]
> I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with my
> 1988 Toyota truck. Just recently when I turn on the truck, it makes
> a short grinding (or grating noise). The noise only lasts for a few
> seconds, and then the truck runs fine. Although it is a '88 truck,
> it only has 26,000 miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> Thank you![/color]

You could have a loose starter which would let the starter nose and/or gear
grind on flywheel or the starter drive gear may be sticking.
Check for loose starter and if that's not it I'd remove starter and bench
test. If it is a sticking drive gear it will damage flywheel to the point it
will have to be replaced. If you remove starter check flywheel teeth to
ensure they are ok and flywheel isn't loose or gear ring isn't loose on
flywheel. Flywheel teeth can have a little damage on the leading edge before
they have to be replaced.
HTH, davidj92[/QUOTE]


^agreed

Prolly loose, my 81 used to loosen up from time to time.

I can tell you that the longer you wait, the more expensive it will become,
Malcom
"MEHM" <cox@alaska.net> wrote in message
news:62791c142633da8b327437e9cb6d489c@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...[color=blue]
> Thank you for taking the time to write. The grinding just starting, but[/color]
it[color=blue]
> is now happening everytime I start it. This is sounding very expensive!
>[/color]