HI Guys,

 

I have a1990 Twin Turbo and for the last few weeks, occasionaly when you try to start it, it makes this horrible screeching noise, just like if the engine was already running and you turn the key again (don't ask how I know this https://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon7.png) I recently had a new light weight flywheel fitted and all was well for a few weeks and then this started happening. It didn't do it all the time, just occasionally. I fitted a new battery and it still did it, so I have now replaced the starter motor and it is still doing it. Any suggestions, as I am at a loss ?

What make is your flywheel?

Prolite, I know its a cheapy and my bad, I did think flywheel may be damaged but didn't look like it when I took the old starter off and looked through the hole !

One of the ancillary belts is more likely can make a real noise.

Deffo not belts, this happens before even turning the engine over, I think the starter is not engaging the flywheel properly, and although i have installed a new battery and starter, i think I may have damaged the flywheel with the old starter not throwing out properly. May have to bite the bullet and get a new, better flywheel.

Shame good luck

Sounds like the starter is goosed. You probably have a lazy solenoid. If you’re able to, take the starter out and run 12v to it. The pinion gear should fire out immediately. If it’s getting stuck and is spinning before it actuates then that’s your issue.

 

Does it do it any more or less depending on whether the car is hot or not?

Did you replace the starter with a used item?

I replaced it with a reconditioned Nissan 1, it all looked brand new and the same part number as I took off, but I might take it off and test it as Funksi says just to see if it is throwing out and how far, it does seem to get worse when it is hot though which is strange. It doesn't do it everytime but 1 in 4 starts it will do it and then it will take 3 or 4 goes of screeching before it catches again !

I replaced it with a reconditioned Nissan 1, it all looked brand new and the same part number as I took off, but I might take it off and test it as Funksi says just to see if it is throwing out and how far, it does seem to get worse when it is hot though which is strange. It doesn't do it everytime but 1 in 4 starts it will do it and then it will take 3 or 4 goes of screeching before it catches again !

 

The symptoms are identical to what mine was doing before I had my starter reconditioned. When I took it in, the guy that assessed it pointed out straight away that the clutched throwout mechanism had worn and was slipping. He had to send that away to a specialist up north but I had it back and rebuilt within a week and it was like new. No problems since.

 

That would be my prime suspect, where did you get the reconditioned motor from?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-300ZX-300-ZX-FAIRLADY-Z32-3-0-TWIN-TURBO-1990-1995-STARTER-MOTOR/283181153032?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

So, could well be the starter even though it looks brand new. I might try what Funkysi said and remove it and test it a number of times off the car and examine what it is doing. If it is the starter, where can I get a goodun ?

I’d never fit a remanufactured starter motor personally. They’re known for being a bit hit and miss and/or not lasting. I invested in a brand new OEM one. Whilst they’re costly, I know I’ll get another reliable 25 years out of it. I generally try to replace with OEM or better (if available).

 

I’d test it first though.

Cheap flywheel with ring gear made from cheese i am afraid.Pull the starter off and have a look it will usually be damaged in 3 areas.

Right, I have taken off new starter and tested both the new and old one and both throw out all the way and spin no problem. Had a proper look at the flywheel and it does look like it is ground down a little on the leading edge that the starter would first contact in a couple of places. I think I need to bite the bullet and get a decent flywheel. So, what would be a good recommendation for a decent lightweight flywheel please ?

I would recommend a SZ billet flywheel:

 

https://www.specialtyz.com/300zx/clutch-flywheel/sz-flywheel-vg30de-tt.html

Funnily enough, on looking at the board the latest subject was new clutch and flywheel and thats the one you recommended and everyone agrees (or most do). I may bite the bullet even more and go with the Specialty Z/RPS Street Max clutch as well, I already have the upgraded fork kit.

 

Cheers guys.