Starter replacement?

Tiny
DOSSIE LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,523 MILES
My starter makes a whining noise when it cranks. The mechanic has put 4 new starters and 2 new flywheels. I then had the old starter rebuilt and it still makes the same noise. Can you please help?
Sunday, March 7th, 2010 AT 6:25 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi Dossie Lee

If the crankshaft is not bent, this is common if a cheap starter is used I would suggest and AC delco unit here is a guide to help walk you through the steps with the instructions in the diagrams below to help you on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find.
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 5:13 AM
Tiny
DOSSIE LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My mechanic had already checked the crankshaft and the starter I took the starter to a starter repair shop. The only signs of any wear was the gear that engages the flywheel they replaced it. Still the same whine. He has about to give up on it when I handed him the AC delco unit worked perfect! Thank you.
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If its the correct OEM part works every time. Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
DOSSIE LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2002 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,350 MILES
We have tryed 4 new starters and 2 new flywheels. Still the same noise I the took the old starter and had it rebuilt and still the same noise. Can you please help. Thanks.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,744 POSTS
If this is still the mounting style that uses two long bolts that go straight up through the nose into the block, add a shim. Most replacement starters come with one shim included.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEANDEGEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
The battery is good every thing else seems to work. When I turn the key there is nothing, no solenoid click, no nothing. I tried switching the relay/fuse under the hood and that didn't do anything.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Could be a bad starter/solenoid. Check for 12 volts at the small wire on the starter with key in crank position. If it has power then the starter needs to be replaced. If none, then get back to me and we will figure out where it stops
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEANDEGEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Got it found a broke wire at solenoid thanks
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Good find
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHARONK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 140,000 MILES
I just put on a starter. The last one had a broken piece on the end. Then I started the car, and guess what, this 2nd one broke! Help?
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,230 POSTS
Make sure the starter is fully seated and tight. If there were shims on the original starter, make sure to use them. Finally, make sure the flywheel is tight and not damaged and the engine is free to turn.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 AM (Merged)

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