Car Makes Craaazy Noise Before it Starts...

[BASS]

Ok, I just got out to start my car, and when I turned the key, the motor was having a real hard time turning over and at the same time, it makes a craaazyyy loud noise. If I keep the key turned (continuously cranking it), it finally starts all the sudden after about 5 seconds or so. When I had my motor replaced, I did have the starter replaced with a new unit. Could it be the starter?? No shims were used when it was installed..Is this craaazy cold weather here in NJ have something to do with it?? Its really weird how this happened all the sudden when I was just driving the car yesterday with no problems...

 

[chrisgarrett]

If it's like a screeching sound it could very well be that the starter is not lining up with the flexplate. GNs didn't have shims from the factory, but your new starter may not be aligned properly or it may have a cracked flange. I had a starter bolt flange crack while putting the engine back in the car. The car would start but it would make a terrible sound while the starter turned.

 

[onefastcar]

I'm hearing its pretty cold up there so maybe gas lines froze to a point not getting gas and the pump forces its way through till its good and possible lifter clatter due to the cold and oil is harder to pump through. did this just start or did you do something to the car recently?

 

[BASS]

Thats exactly what im thinking, and now I just tried starting it again and it wont start. Im afraid im stripping the teeth on the flexplate possibly??!! And it waaaay too damn cold for me to be fiddling outside under the car right now..

 

[BASS]

I dont think its lifter clatter, as it feels like there isnt getting enough juice to turn the motor over as its making a very LOUD screetchy noise and it would suddenly start...

 

[onefastcar]

I would definitely pull the starter and take a look or remove the flex plate cover and take a gander that way.