Starter Drive Gear Movement

[pantheroc]

I have a 97 Contour with a grinding starter. The teeth on the flywheel look good, just a bit of chipping toward the starter drive gear.

The starter seems like it turns fine. My thoughts are the lubrication of the starter drive gear slide bearing is bad and it doesn't fully move towards flywheel or back that easily (Thus causing the chipping of flywheel teeth edge. How easy should the starter drive gear supposed to slide back and fourth and is it supposed to go back to the position shown in the photo in a quick manner rather than slowly creeping back?

 

[pantheroc]

Well, I cleaned and lubricated all parts where the drive gear is at. Re-installed the starter and it works fine even with a few chips in edge of flywheel.

Note: This occurred on a 1997 with ~90K miles in Cleveland, OH area. You may want to check yours if getting up there in age.

 

[Tony2005]

This is good information to know. Thanks for posting.

 

[Nate S]

thanks for posting this!

 

[bohdi]

I just wanted to add a little to this.

I experienced the same problem with my starter, but at 150k miles, I decided it would be best to bite the bullet and go with a new unit. (I'm not a very big fan of working on my car out of necessity)

Although, I'm sure you've seen the difference now, when I pulled my starter, I could barely move the slide gear into place with both hands. However, the new piece moves very easily back and forth with one hand.

I hope your solution works out for you.

 

[pantheroc]

Worked out good, we'll see how long it lasts.

 

[muntus]

Worked out good, we'll see how long it lasts.

7 months later, how's this solution working out for you? I might have to do this tomorrow.

 

[pantheroc]

Haven't been to Contour.org for a while....

The fix is still working good! (9 months)