Ok. My 81 240D stick with 380000 is on it's sixth starter arrording to it's rather extensive maintenance record. It's only had this one for about 10k miles. It's starting to make a grating sound intermittantly when starting about every fifth start or so. Just for the first split second I touch the key. I'm wondering what actually causes that noise? I guess it must have teeth in it that mesh with teeth inside the engine itself not so? Why would it only make such a dreadfull grating sound occasionally?

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S