2011 Honda civic Si 76k miles, k20z3.
For a couple weeks now when i go to start the car when cold, it will turn over then make a very loud SCRATCH sound (see attached video). I don't know if this is a chain tensioner, oil pressure issue, starter having play or skipping teeth, flywheel damage, fuel delivery problem, etc.

All i can think of is a starter problem, or maybe the fact i lose 90% of a gas tank in a week plays a factor...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Sounds like a bad spot in the flywheel.

 

it could be the motor running sound.

 

I've noticed some people have been saying it's the ring gear that's press fitted onto the flywheel spinning briefly, or play in the starter gear- do you think it could be somrthig similiar?

 

That's what I said. Bad flywheel. Ring gear is cut into the flywheel.

 

How long would you say I could leave this until I NEED to replace it? I always go DIY so i don't plan on taking it to a shop and getting hit with a 2k+ bill just to drop the subframe and take out the flywheel. But I also don't have the tools to do the job myself for quite a few more months. Should I leave it for that long? Or will leaving it for too long open up more options for more damage to my transmission, and the 2k now would be a small price to pay in comparison to the bill it would be after the flywheel ravaged the transmission?

 

Probably just kill the flywheel and starter. Might leave you stranded at some point. Guess you could always bump start it being a manual.