JAPtheRIPPER

I recently installed a Fidanza 8lb flywheel on a T2W4 on my 2000 SiR S Spec.
Everything is great and I couldn't be happier with the outcome, expecially with the Cusco RS LSD and MFactory 5.2 final drive.

However, I have one problem.

Whenever I turn on the car, a loud squeal is heard when cranking.

Upon discussing with a friend, he had experienced a similar problem on his Integra Type-R in the past and solved the problem by swapping the OEM Denso starter with an OEM Mitsuba starter from a 1999/2000 Civic SiR (Canadian)/ Civic Si. The issue stemmed from the fact that the Spoon flywheel he had was not compatible with the Denso starter and every other time he started the car, it would grind.

I'm wondering if the Fidanza flywheel (meant for the N American market and starter) is not completely compatible with my starter on my JDM S Spec.

I was hoping some of you guys with the same flywheel could take a quick look under your hood and tell me what OEM brand and part # your starters are or if you have any idea what is causing this problem.

My car has a MITSUBA (SM-44223) starter.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Here are a few pics.




This is the starter currently on my car.



Installing the flywheel

98vtec

dont hold me to this, but from memory, i think it was missing gears who told me that JDM and USDM starters and flywheels have different angle teeth. Since he was banned, you cant ask him...sadly.

mgags7

I have heard the same thing from others, though on my car, trans, starter are jdm, and I have that exact same fidanza flywheel. No problems here.

skrewdlude

I had a start up issue with my original fidanza, which was purchased almost 7 years ago. I called them, and it turns out they revised the design and notched the teeth as well as added the bearing. They sent me the updated version for free, and I haven't had the issue since.
Recently i had to get a new starter, I just got one at autozone, and seems to be working just fine with the flywheel as well.
Mine was also a JDM starter. I have a JDM, and usdm flywheel at home, I think, I will snap some pics if they are both still around.

vinuneuro

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">dont hold me to this, but from memory, i think it was missing gears who told me that JDM and USDM starters and flywheels have different angle teeth. Since he was banned, you cant ask him...sadly.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's wierd. Why would they vary something like that between markets?

mattmw88

I have the fidanza flywheel and the USDM starter with no issues (but I guess that doesn't really help much). Good luck!

jdmlude5

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mgags7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have heard the same thing from others, though on my car, trans, starter are jdm, and I have that exact same fidanza flywheel. No problems here.</TD></TR></TABLE>

same here. jdm starter no problems. mybe its rubbing against the flywheel shim it see what that does.

high_revs

the starter is prob too close to the flywheel...happens a lot with gms..they make special shims for gm's but in your case i would just use 2 thin washers and add as you go...and i do mean thin...just make sure you have the same amount of washers on both in between the starter and transmssion on boths bolts

Boarderx192

I had one and I had the OEM starter that come with the car and never had a problem

JAPtheRIPPER

Thanks guys for all the responses!!

skrewdlude:
If you could get pics, it would be greatly appreciated!

h2b_eg8:
Thanks for the advice! I will give that a try.


In the meantime, could somebody confirm the maker of the USDM starters (if not Mitsuba, like mine)

high_revs

np

Ghost 5.9

i had a problem w/ my jun ultralight flywheel grinding upon startup. several friends who ran the same flywheel told me that it was designed to work w/ jdm starters. i called jun and they confirmed, they actually told me to grind the corners off of the starter teeth or find a jdm starter. i got a jdm starter and all was well

i dont know if jun ever redesigned their flywheels or not.

it sounds like your case is different though. its squealing instead of grinding so im assuming its engaging and working but w/ some contact where there shouldnt be. shimming it may very well be the fix as stated earlier.

high_revs

i bet if you were to remove your starter you would see where the starter is hitting the flywheel...

VTecLude1994

iTrader: (1)

No issue with my 8lb Fidanza. USDM H22 /w USDM starter and trans.

JT

I also have the slight squeal upon starting the engine with my fidanza fw and jdm h22/tranny swap. It almost sounds a belt squeal and usually happens during cold start when the rpm shoots up higher. I might try my usdm starter and see if that would fix the problem.

manbearpig

lol, mine's been doing this for a year now with no probs yet..... If you let off the key asap it doesn't do it too badly.....

jdmbreed

ive been using mine for about year and half jdm starter m2b4 trans

kornerk12

wait is it just the jdm starter that would possibly cause this issue ? Im running a usdm starter on an m2a4 with no problems that i know of. Could there be something im doing wrong ?

jdmbreed

i doubt it

218luder

whoa back from the dead lol. i have no problems with mine either. m2b4 jdm starter and 8lb fidanza flywheel. although i do have a squeel but thats my belt

bb4socal

I just installed a fidanza flywheel and im getting the noise too. I personally dont think its a big deal. I have a jdm h22 with a jdm starter so, as confirmed above, im sure its the starter causing the problem. no biggy

lrayford

i have the same flywheel and jdm motor/trans and starter... no issues? so its deff a compatible set up. something else is the reason for the noise.

93prelude615

i have had the same problem for a YEAR.
i have a fidanza 8lb flywheel and i have changed my starter once and screeched with both starters.. still does.
i know its the flywheel.
but i just dont want to take it it apart and replace it..
it has been fine just my startups are annoying..

duanes

I had an older car 72 Dodge 440... same thing. I replaced the started and it made a TERRIBLE noise. Much higher pitch (but not a grinding) than normal.

The fix was that the old starter had a couple of useless looking shims stuck down with oil and gunk (cooked on oil and dirt = the original JB Weld). Put the stupid shims in and all was well. The total thickness was probably about 10-15 thousands... barely thicker than beer can metal.

chicows18

Mines makes a continous winding noise....doesnt go away. How much shimming should you do.