My car had a terrible starter grind back when I bought it 8 months ago, and I assumed it was due to the damage to the starter housing from the PO damaging it by dropping the car on something.

It looked like it misaligned the starter, which tore up the flywheel gear.

On to today. I just finished my new QM clutch install, put in a new (used) starter, and now it not only grinds, but it sounds like it doesn't have enough power to actually turn the car over, which it does, but at about half the speed it's supposed to.

Any ideas? Is it possible I just happen to get 2 bad starters in a row, or is there something special involved when installing a QM clutch? Second QM, second starter grind.

 

Bump

 

My spec Mini twin is very similar to the QM and does not grind there is nothing special to do when installing it. I would say just a second bad starter in my opinion even though I find it odd that two starters would be bad but always a chance. Hope it helps thanks, Curt

 

when he dropped it did it mess with the bolt holes like enlarging them or anything? maybe it moves a little when the solenoid pops causing it to grind.

 

I swapped in a known good starter, and the problem is still there. The holes look good, it bolts up solidly, it lines up correctly.

I did some reading, and I'm wondering if the wiring could cause it? It started I assume, after the first clutch went in, and the fact that it sounds like its bogging now leads me to believe it isn't getting the current it needs.

Could bad wiring allow it to work, but cause it to grind at the same time? Maybe it isn't fully engaging and disengaging the starter gear? I'll check tomorrow night. It's all I can think of. There is no damage to the trans at all.