starter/flywheel help please

hey guys, i have a few questions....
i have a 1987 nissan 200sx, that i recently bought cheap... with a few probs of course....

about 3 weeks ago it just wouldn't start.... it'd turn over, but not start....

i let it wit for a few weeks and it started today.... dont know why....

anywho....
about 3 out of ever 10-15 cranks, it makes that scratching sound like if it's already on and you turn the key.......

i thought it was the starter.... but they lady who owned it (only owner)
had like EVERYTHING ever done on it from oil changes to new battery to new muffler.......

anywho... i was going through the papers today (large binder) and noticed jiffy lube noted that the flywheel might be damaged....

my question is, i want to remove the starter to check that out first....
but i can only find one bolt for it..... i have the chilton's and it doesn't state anything about other than how to test it.....

anyone know how dificult it is to remove the starter?

and are there any online sites that might sell flywheels?


thanks,
mai0f

The scraching sound is the starter gear grinding on the flywheel which is most likely how the flywheel got damaged.

would i have to drop the tranny to check it?
and if the flywheel is damaged, anyone know of any online places that i can purchase one??

thanks,
mai0f

You'd have to drop the tranny to check or replace the flywheel, that's for sure.