Replaced the starter a year ago, then it went out again about 6 weeks ago so I replaced it again. Then it quit again about 2 weeks ago so got another rebuilt one and now it's going out again.
All 4 have started the failing by grinding due to the solenoid not fully engaging. Then it starts doing it more and more often. The last one failed quite fast and then would hardly turn the motor over when it would engage!
Now my new (rebuilt) starter from Schucks has not engaged and ground 3 times so it's probably failing also.
I installed a new clutch not long ago and my flywheel looks fine. The teeth are in very good shape, with only slight visible wear.
I have oil leaking into the clutch/starter area but can't imagine why that would do it.
When it's cold it's worse, when the engine is warmed up it's only done it maybe once which makes me thing the oil has something to do with it.

Anyway, I'm at a loss as to why the hell my starter keeps breaking!
Schucks keeps giving me a new one at no charge cause they test it and it is the starter even when it's out of my car.
Replacing it 3 times in 1 year seems a bit extreme and I'm getting tired of it. lol
My car seems to be breaking them but why?

Thanks in advance,
Orb

 

Cheap quality rebuilds. Just because they offer a warrentee, does not mean it will last. Most of the chain stores sell lower quality rebuild, from places that just replace the parts that are bad.
Getting a starter from a local rebuilder, who has a good reputation, is well worth the time and effort, especially if you plan to keep whatever vehicle it will installed upon.

 

Go Micro Starter.

 

I would take another look at your flywheel. Constant grinding like that has got to be wearing something down.

Is it possible to make a mistake on installation that would cause the starter not to fully engage the flywheel?

 

Well, I was thinking I might be installing it wrong but was under the inpression that it should be noticable right away or at least I would think it would.
I have got them all from the chain store and that is probably or most likely the cause.

Where can I get this "Micro Starter" you speak of? Couldn't find that brand. Search came back with unrelated crap. lol

 

Oil leaking into the starter and or clutch area will destroy the starter and the clutch disc. You need to fix that leak. If you are also getting oil onto the electrical connections it will cause problems. Make sure you have the starter properly grounded also. A poor ground for the starter will not allow it to receive full power and burn it up coupled with the oil problem.

 

That's what I was afraid of.

 

Bad rebuilds. Get a good rebuild locally from a good guy, or get a rebuild kit and do it yourself.

There are lots of bad rebuilt alternators and starters out there.