Starter problem... new flywheel just installed

Hey guys... cool forum this is my first post. Just bought a 1994 3000GT SL for $6000 with a nice set of rims and 110K on the engine. Runs great but just recently when I start it 1 in 3 times or so it will make a noise with the starter. Almost sounds like grinding but its a slow clunking until the engine speed returns to idle after starting. I know its the starter because if I hold the key on start until it returns to idle it doenst make this noise. Also, I tried taking the starter off but the bottom bolt had stripped threads.... from taking it out!!! Anyways, I bolted it back up and all its back to normal. The car just got a new clutch and flywheel before I bought it, so I thought maybe the starter needs to be shimmed to fit the new flywheel? I dont know lol thats why I'm askin you guys. Thanks for the help guys!

BTW, did I get a deal or ripped off in your opinion?

Jay

no insight? thats too bad i thought u guys were 3000GT experts... oh well. i just got back from the carx man and he said its prolly just gotta be re-shimmed but the (ah-hem) that messed up the bolt before me is gonna cost me cuz the starter is going to be a bitch to take off. oh well.. thanks anyways :headshake

Well sounds like the pull-in/hold-in coil in the starter may be bad if it's clunking after the engine has already started, which would be part of the solenoid (not that they sell them seperately)....doesn't sound like a problem that shims would fix....but maybe i'm misunderstanding what your problem is.

The bottom bolt shouldn't be too bad to get out, plenty of room to work.

I have never heard of shimming a 3k starter. Its a common issue with these cars as the starter gets older. The one solenoid gets partially stuck engaged after you release the ignition switch anf thats the noise you are hearing. Its not harmful in any way really. I dealt with it for about 2 years till I replaced my starter for another reason and havent had the noise since.

thank you for your help!! can i just get the starter rebuilt? theres a place 10 minutes away that rebuilds em that would be cheaper than a $100 starter...