1980 Monte 6 cylinder starter

[Jose Gonzalez-Blosser]

I have a 1980 Monte 6 cylinder and I had the starter replaced a year ago. The car is fully restored and only driven in the summer so it has less than 500 miles on the new starter. Took it out today and all was good. Later in the day I went to put it in the garage and the starter now makes a horrible screeching sound and won't turn the engine. Sounds like train brakes when they are applied if that helps. Is it a bad starter ? I don't think it's a flywheel issue because it's never slipped. Help

 

[Texas82GP]

Maybe the solenoid has failed and doesn't have the strength to engage the starter drive gear into the ring gear on the flywheel. What brand is the replacement starter?

 

[Jose Gonzalez-Blosser]

Maybe the solenoid has failed and doesn't have the strength to engage the starter drive gear into the ring gear on the flywheel. What brand is the replacement starter?

The mechanic said it was an AC Delco when he replaced it. It's always been loud which is found strange back then. The original one was quieter but it would stick of I started the car again too soon after driving. I beeline they had that issue since new.

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

It may not be aligned properly and or a bad ground I have found will cause something along the lines of that

 

[Opie Knievel]

If there's anyway you could make a video of the sound when you're trying to start it I bet we could figure it out quicker.

 

[ssn696]

That screeching sound is likely to be teeth being ground off your flexplate when the starter gear does not fully slide out into place. I'd remove it and take it to Autozone and have them do a free function test on it. That will show if the engagement solenoid is not working.

The removing and replacing a GM starter, make sure you not the location of the trigger wire. The trigger wire is best accessed in my experience using a 8mm small wrench. A small mirror saves the day. Make sure you don't mix up locations. GM has a second small electrical stud that provides no joy if you accidentally attach it there. I know this for a fact...

 

[Texas82GP]

I wonder if the bolts might have gotten loose?

 

[ssn696]

I wonder if the bolts might have gotten loose?

The first step in the Easter Egg Hunt. 9/16". If they are indeed loose, pull one at a time and make sure they have the knurling on them, which helps keep them in place.