Question: Can a starter have all its teeth and still be bad? I have a grinding sound once in awhile when i start my engine. Flywheel is new, i had it replaced (they told me that was the problem and it still grinds) ??????????? 97 DISCO SD7

 

the solenoid may not be activating, causing it to partially catch

 

And or you may have some warn teeth on the flex plate, quit driving it till you can have a mechanic inspect it, if you damage the flex plate, then the tranny has to be pulled to replace the damaged plate.

 

I answered you in the other post, you need a new starter, not a new flywheel but if you continue to grind the starter you will need a new flywheel too.
Find a new mechanic, this one is just taking your money.

 

Down spike, easy boy. Had the starter looked at they told me it was fine!!!
Anyway thanks to all for the info. Going out to pick up the hex drive to change my starter. I have one ready to go....................let ya know how it comes out.........................till next dilemma............................peace

 

You cant judge a starter by looking at it and unless you are replacing a clutch it is always cheaper/easier to replace the starter first.
I still say you need a new mechanic though.
Let us know how you make out.

 

What did they look at and how to determine the starter is fine, grinding says it is not fine and qas already mentioned, allowed to continue and your flex plate won't be fine either.
That being said, do a full inspection of the teeth on the flex plate while the starter is off.

 

They looked at the teeth...........just the teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why?????????????????i don't know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!REPLACING THE STARTER TOMMORROW, BTW....WHAT SIZE HEX DRIVE DO I NEED?????????????????????????????????????????????? 5/16..............3/8????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????

 

Sorry but I do not know what size of a hex driver you need.

 

What should it cost (roughly) to have a garage swap out the starter if I provide them with one...

I'm looking at that thing, and that is one job I do not want to do.