Hi I'm having problems with my 92 SE starter. It has started occasionally grinding when I go to start, sounds like I was trying to run the starter with the engine running (but it's not). If I release the key, then try to start, the starter works fine then. However this is happening more often. Any ideas what this is? Starter Motor, Solenoid ???

 

I pulled the starter and took it down to the local Shucks Auto to test. I inspected the pinon and the ring gear and didn't see any damage beyond normal wear. I got really lucky and Shucks had a new starter for my 92 SE manual trans. on the shelf. The starter passed the tests at Shucks, but the pinon gear would hang up a little as it got flung out when power was applied. I assume that the pinon gear is slow to slide out and mesh with the flywheel ring gear and is going too fash to mesh with it by the time it finally reaches the gear and spins against the face, not able to mesh with the stationary flywheel.
I replaced the starter and it works just fine now.

One Follow up question though. I can't find the torque for the mounting bolt and nut on the starter. I've looked through the manual for an hour and can't find a torque specifically for the mounting of the starter. Anyone Know the torque spec?

 

not off hand, just make it tight.