Scratching when starting

jcfields1030

New Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Location
Durham
When I start my 89 YJ, something scratches when the engine is turning. It is getting worse and sometimes the scratch is real bad. Does anyone know what it could be?
 
do you have oil pressure? does it sound like its coming from the engine itself or the pulleys? front? back? using a stethoscope will help you out greatly... 10 bucks at sears
 
gt500swim said:
do you have oil pressure? does it sound like its coming from the engine itself or the pulleys? front? back? using a stethoscope will help you out greatly... 10 bucks at sears
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My oil pressure gauge doesn't work but I'm sure I do. Its coming from the engine. Could it be the flywheel? It sounds like it is coming from that area.
 
mine makes a terrible sound when i first start it. (91 XJ 4.0) im assuming we have the same motor. sounds like the starter is grinding on the flywheel but it spins over and starts right up and goes away. its def something on my starter or flywheel. is this what yours is doing or do you have noise the whole time? id like to know whats going on with mine too.
 
'89 YJ is going to be a 258 cid (4.2L) inline 6, or 2.5L 4-banger. It sure sounds like the starter, take it off and check out the starter pinion. I struggled with my CJ 258 starter...there are no adjustments/shims, it just bolts on.
 
I vote starter of flywheel. It may take replacing the ring gear on the flywheel or turning it around and a new starter to fix the problem.
I would try the obvious first, check and make sure the bell housing bolts are tight, check to make sure the flywheel isn't wobbling, and check to make sure the starter is bolted tight also.
 
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