I recently installed a new starter in my 1990 Honda Civic. Now when I turn the key to crank the engine, unless I am very gentle and quick with the key, there comes a grinding sound from the starter – the same noise you get when you mistakenly turn the ignition key when your car is already running. The car starts, but that noise can’t be good. Any ideas what’s causing it?

 

worn flywheel teeth?

 

It wasn't doing this before I replaced the starter, but I suspect the grinding noise now isn't helping the flywheel teeth.

 

you did line the teeth up, right?

 

I just put the pinion gear in the space where it goes, and tightened all the bolts. It does start, so the pinion gear must be rotating the flywheel right? Is there some kind of special alignment procedure I missed?

 

yeah, i donno. when i changed mine, all i did was what you did.