2001 Monte Carlo SS. OK I have put on a new starter as mine went out. Actually a used starter but you get the idea. Also have a new flywheel (flexplate) installed. Now my buddy asked me if it was starting funny before the flywheel going out and subsequent replacement and it was. But here is the deal after the flywheel replacement its still starting funny. When I say "funny" I mean its like the starter doesn't "grind" long enough or sound just right. It grinds for a few seconds and then there is like a "chug" as it starts. A chug is the best word I can use to describe it. So I'm wondering what in the heck is this? My wifes trailblazer doesn't sound like this and my Oldsmobile never sounded like this. In fact no car I have ever owned sounded like this. I'd like to know if its something serious that needs immediate attention. Is it a bad starter possibly?

Thanks for reading and I'll check back through the day if someone answers and needs more info. I'll try to provide it.

 

Quite possibly the "Used" starter is also bad?
Or you need to shim it(starter) away from the fly wheel/flexplate.
Are you sure that "Used" starter is for your vehicle?
Is the Flywheel/flexplate a new one? or was that one "Used" also?
Was it designed specifically for your vehicle?

 

Can you take a video of this and post it somewhere and give us a link? That might tell a little more by having a listen....

 

I believe the starter was from a Buick. I know it wasn't specifically from a Monte Carlo. It was sold as a "low miles" exact replacement. The flexplate was new. It was from Autozone and was sold as an exact OEM replacement.

Hmm right now the car is at a body shop having a bumper put on but I might be able to do that when I get it back.

Its hard to describe the sound but its like the starter cranks (I mistakenly said grinds but you probably got the idea) and then there is a "kachug" sound as it starts.

I just don't wanna end up screwing up this brand new flywheel and having to go through this nightmare again. My buddy was telling me that "kachug" the last time was a bad flywheel.

 

Well not sure what I was hearing but its not doing it now. Maybe it was just paranoia I don't know LOL.

It seems to start kind of fast in that it doesn't crank as long as what I have had other vehicles do but I don't think that necessarily is a problem is it? There is no "kachug" like I had originally thought. I started it a couple times and it seems to start just fine like I said the only "issue" and I'm not even sure its an issue is it seems to start kind of quick and doesn't quite crank as long as I am used to.

I'm a little gun shy after the problems we had replacing this flywheel/flex plate and don't wanna have to go through another one. But lack of "cranking" time and a faster start isn't necessarily a problem is it?