I already searched and found nothing similar to this.
Car:
91 hatch with 95 b18c1

60% of the time the car starts up like a champ, and for the remainder of the drive runs perfect. Only problem being it idles at around 1000-1100rpm.

20% of the time, it will have trouble starting. (i.e. turn the key, nothing, turn it again, nothing, turn it again and she starts up.) The rest of the drive has no problems.

The last 20% includes the syptoms just mentioned, but it seems like after about 15-20 minutes of driving I will get a loud screeching (almost a whistling) noise that sounds like its coming from the tranny/starter area. (passengers side regardless.) And when I turn off the car I hear a winding noise like something is still spinning/grinding.

Im assuming its the starter? Any info is appreciated.

 

sounds like your distributor, pull off the cap and see if there's any dust in there

 

Its not the starter, sounds like it might be low fluids in the tranny.. Does the tranny whine/whistle??

 

Dizzy was my second guess due to the "winding." But no, I dont hear any sound coming from the tranny, but I should just check the fluid anyway.

**Just remembered something else: The brake light will also come on when it starts acting weird, but all brake fluid is full....

 

ttt

 

When you say that you turn the key and there "nothing" do you mean absolutely nothing or that the engine turns, but doesn't start? Any clicking? Like the solenoid is moving, but the starter just isn't turning?

 

Fuel primes, battery light comes on, and I hear a slight click

 

It sounds like the shaft that the starter gear slides on might be sticking, causing it to not throw the gear out sometimes, and to leave the gear engaged sometimes without springing back away from the flywheel after you release the key. PLEASE CHECK THIS IMMEDIATELY! If this is happening it will be spinning the starter gear (and maybe the starter motor too) at about 50,000 rpm. This could be very dangerous. If it wears out the starter shaft or breaks a tooth, it could jack the starter right out the side of the tranny. Also very expensive! Keep us updated.

 

best suggestion being just to take the starter out and check all specs?

 

tjbizzo was writing what I was thinking to be honest. I'd take a look at the starter...you might as well.