starting whine

[torque of the devil]

sometimes the car makes a machine gun like whining noise (only way to describe it) and struggles to start the car and sometimes doesnt. i found it helps if i stamp on and off the accelerator. sometimes i have to reset the iginition back to '0' then try again and it starts instantly and sometimes with a complaint. other times it starts first time with no noise at all?!

[lone wolf]

Sounds like you have either missing or broken teeth on the starter ring-gear. Common problem with all cars, you can continue with it for a while but will need to replace the starter motor relatively soon as this tends to load the ignition too heavily after time. Both my Supra's did it when the ring gear got damaged, normal wear and tear, every car does it eventually - regardless of manufacturer.

[torque of the devil]

cheers. thought it'd be that. r starter motors easy to fit? how much r they? about £20 for a second-hand one?

[lone wolf]

Most scrappies have them for that sort of money, but there is always the risk you could end up in same boat...new ones aren't that bad, I got one for the Turbo for £120 inc vat...as with most things, you pays your cash, you takes your chances.

[Adam W]

Starter motor removal is "only" two bolts and a couple of wires, very fiddly to get to though.