Why is it easy things are always the most difficult? I've got a 93 del sol si with an auto transmission. The starter died on it ( solenoid would engage, starter wouldn't turn). My old one was a mitsuba. I ordered a brand new NSA starter STR-3602, which autopartswarehouse says is the correct one:

Vehicle:
1993 – 1995 Honda Del Sol

Fits Engine – Chassis:
1.6L, 4 Cylinder GAS, FI, D16Z6 — (Civic), SI

Description:
OEM Replacement New Starter, No Reused Components, Includes A Manufacturer's Two Year Warranty

Fit Note:
w/Automatic Transmission; Mitsuba; Federal; Permanent Magnet Offset Gear Reduction

It bolts in just fine, but every second or third start it would grind (same sound as if you hit the starter when the car is running). I put some bearing greese on the starter gear, but it still makes that sound every fourth or fifth start.

I got out some calipers and measured various parts of the new starter, and it seems the same as the old one.

The only thing I can think of is that I'm not torquing it down enough, but I don't know how tight to go. I'm cranking it down "grunt-tight" on a 12" wrench. I really don't want to twist off one of those bolts in the block...

One of the two bolts that hold it in is longer than the other, and I mized them up. I put the long one in the lower mount where the ear is thicker and the hole deeper. I assume that is correct?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is my daily driver. I have another car, but it bleeds me to death to drive it (explorer).

thanks,
dave.

P.S. I did search, so if I missed something, plz yell at me gently

 

Here's another thought / question. It looks like it's a different starter for california & non-california engines. How do I tell? I don't see california emissions stickers anywhere -- it that all I'd look for?

thanks,
dave.