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Starter not disengaging until release key

Old Feb 14, 2019 | 11:05 AM
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Starter not disengaging until release key

Hi, I put in a new starter into my 2000 infiniti i30 and the starter remains engaged until I release the key. According to my understanding, the flywheel should force the starter to disengage by turning it instead of being turned. One thing I noticed is the wires from the solenoid to the starter motor were on the other terminal compared to my old starter.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 12:34 PM
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Probably just needs to be greased. IIRC the wire polarity doesnt matter but dont quote me on that. The starter sticking and not disengaging definitely sounds like the starter needs to be lubed up a bit.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Slamrod
Probably just needs to be greased. IIRC the wire polarity doesnt matter but dont quote me on that. The starter sticking and not disengaging definitely sounds like the starter needs to be lubed up a bit.
My mechanic said it is like some Bosch starters when he heard the screeching noise. I read up on Bosch starter problems and indeed as you said it Is a sticking problem. The fact that releasing the key disengages it seems different than the Bosch problem. So I thought it might be electrical.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 03:17 PM
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Pull the starter.

Use mineral spirits, acetone or another effective residue-free parts cleaning agent to clean the starter mounting surface and orifice on the engine block.

Sand or wire wheel all coatings or finishes from the mounting surface on the starter itself. Clean that surface with the cleaner mentioned above.

Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to one of the cleaned mounting surfaces (i.e. starter or engine block).

Remove the battery tray to expose the entirety of your NEG battery cable. Clean all connection points, including the block connection.

Clean the POS cable terminal connection at the starter.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 04:20 PM
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Wait a minute, guys.

The starter gear is not a BENDIX drive that works by inertia. The starter gear is engaged mechanically by an arm, moved by the starter solenoid.

If you are holding the key in the START position, the starter solenoid will remain engaged, keeping the starter motor spinning and the starter gear meshed in the flywheel gear.

See part # 23322 neat the top right of the parts diagram.

Old Feb 14, 2019 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by User1
So what's the problem?
The problem is there is a terrific screeching noise until the instant I release the key. I try to release the key just before the engine takes off to avoid the noise.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by User1
Interesting but not the same. That one is a grinding noise trying to reengage with the engine running. Mine remains engaged and screeches when the engine starts until key is released.
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by User1
Ok. I think slamrod is on the right path. Watch this video and you will be able to figure out the rest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tN3vhIW3Fc
This is a brand new starter. So whoever made it failed to lube it properly. I will replace it on warranty when the weather improves a bit.
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by DennisMik
Wait a minute, guys.

The starter gear is not a BENDIX drive that works by inertia. The starter gear is engaged mechanically by an arm, moved by the starter solenoid.

If you are holding the key in the START position, the starter solenoid will remain engaged, keeping the starter motor spinning and the starter gear meshed in the flywheel gear.

See part # 23322 neat the top right of the parts diagram.

So if part 23312 remains engaged with the flywheel when the engine starts, what's to prevent part 23310 from spinning like crazy and self destructing due to centrifugal force? And what parts are making the screeching sound due to lack of lube?

Last edited by Mharvey500; Feb 15, 2019 at 07:12 AM.
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 07:33 AM
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It sounds more like you have a voltage issue as opposed to a mechanical issue.

At least pull the starter and either bench test it yourself or take it to your local retailer and have it tested.

If it tests OK then ... https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...ml#post9195227
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Mharvey500
So if part 23312 remains engaged with the flywheel when the engine starts, what's to prevent part 23310 from spinning like crazy and self destructing due to centrifugal force? And what parts are making the screeching sound due to lack of lube?
The the starter gear itself (part 23312) is built with a locking clutch. The clutch is the bulge behind the teeth. When the engine starts running, it will cause the clutch to unlock and the gear will freewheel. If the motor armature (part 23310) were to be driven by the engine's flywheel, the centrifugal force would make it self destruct - exactly as you are thinking.

It's a good possibility that the squeal is the starter gear freewheeling on its hub.
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by DennisMik
The the starter gear itself (part 23312) is built with a locking clutch. The clutch is the bulge behind the teeth. When the engine starts running, it will cause the clutch to unlock and the gear will freewheel. If the motor armature (part 23310) were to be driven by the engine's flywheel, the centrifugal force would make it self destruct - exactly as you are thinking.

It's a good possibility that the squeal is the starter gear freewheeling on its hub.
Well thanks, this is very helpful. Now I can talk to my parts supplier intelligently when I ask for replacement.
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