I have a 1986 Max, It's makeing this (Hey Im already started noise) and Is constant 2-3 times before it starts. Is there a way to remove it and clean it out or something?

 

Your bendix is probably worn. This is the device that spins the starter gear out into the flexplate or flywheel teeth. Or the solenoid is burning out and getting weak, which doesn't exert as much magnetic force to move the bendix into starting position. If you keep using the wornout starter, you will wear the teeth of of your flexplate (automatic transaxle) or flywheel (manual) and have to pull apart the motor and transaxle to put in one with good teeth, which is a large hassle, and a big expense if you hire your work done. A rebuilt starter is much cheaper.

 

You could also rebuild your starter yourself if you have access to the parts and a service manual.

S

 

Having just replaced the starter in my car, I can tell you it's quite easy to do (probably easier than rebuilding). A rebuilt one cost me $140 CDN.

 

Hmm same thing happens to me, but only sometimes, maybe once or twice a week. It will grind once or twice then start normally. I'm guessing the flywheel(or whatever it is on an auto) is missing teeth or has worn teeth, because it seems random.

 

If I take it apart would I be facing any loose springs flying away or such thing. Could I take it apart and put it back together without any problems

 

Only familiar with 4th gen but it didn't have any loose springs flying out. Pretty easy to get out, cleaned mine with CRC Aerosol Elecrical Cleaner. Regreased with AMSOIL Synthetic Grease and put back in. There are pictures on doing this on www.motorvate.ca. I would also check brushes and commutator while I had it out.

 

I think that Nismo87se has a starter pretty much new for our 2nd gens. He was going to sell it to me but I didnt need it. PM him he might can strike you a deal if you want a newish one.

 

I'm going to go with Sliders take on this and say your ring gear may well be toast. Same problem on '70 Impala and '79 Midget. I spent alot of unnecessary time and money on starters before I changed the flex plate and ring gear. A check you can do is when it grinds, move the motor with the flywheel pulley and key it again. If no trouble, bad teeth at the flywheel. No change, go with the starter.

 

Are the starters from the 1985-86 300zx and the 85-86 maxima interchangeable?

 

No, simply because of the motor arrangement. The 300zx is rear wheel drive, so it's mounted differently. Our maxima's are transversely mounted. Now if you wanted to interchange starters between Maxima's, you can swap between 85-94 VG30E Maxima's.

S

 

Really? Thats a good selection. Are you sure they are the same??

 

Some Pathfinder starters will fit, too.

 

Well, the selection is the same because Nissan essential used the same drivetrain for who knows how long. Example, my 5-speed manual. They are essential the same transmission from 1985-1999, the model numbers are the same and all, each has its little improvements and refinements. Since nissan ran the same motor in the car for about 9 years, its fairly safe to say the starter is the same. Heck you might get away with putting a 4th gen starter in. (I wouldn't recommend it, but it'll probably fit). I would avoid putting RWD car starters in because they are mounted slightly differently, but if you wanna try to see if you can get it to fit, be my guest.

S