Hello all,
It's been a while (which is good- means nothing has broke for a while). But I'm back. The car (1989 245 manual) has been sounding very "gravelly" on startup, almost like something is grinding a bit. I figured it was the starter going out. So I bought a starter and before I could replace it, it sounded better and I stored the starter on some shelf.

that was almost a year ago. Fast forward to today. I started the car and it (starter I presume) sounded BAD. I drove it to my destination and after a couple hours jumped back in to drive home. Turned the key and the same terrible noise hit my ears for a split second followed by a high whine. I turned the key again and only got the high whine. Push started the car and it drove home fine.

I'm guessing it's the starter and will now pull out the once forgotten starter and replace it. Unless someone tells me that it's something else of course. Also, If it is the starter, anyone have any tips? I've heard the transmission can get in the way of some bolts.

Anything else I should replace while I'm doing the starter?

As always, Thanks a ton.

 

Change that starter!

 

HA HA. I'll get right on that.

 

Sounds like you're buddy from work will do fine as a replacement starter.

That's why Volvo installed rear window defrosters to keep the hands warm in the winter when you need a "push-up".

 

I got the starter installed today (the one I bought off ebay in sept 09). The car sounds tons better when it's firing up. Went from sounding like a train wreck to a jet engine. I like it. BUT, I noticed that each time I start the car, the car will start and then .5-1.0 seconds after the car has started, it sounds like someone taps the ignition and the starter will let out a short bark. Not sure what to make of it. But it starts fine.

 

UPDATE!:

The new starter has worked great. I love how much better it sounds vs the old one. It also quit "barking" after starting the engine after about 10 or so starts.

Confusing, but I love it when stuff fixes itself.