My car had to sit outside last night as I was in the middle of installing cabinets in the garage to organize everything. It was quite cold for us, probably about 28F. The car started just fine this morning, but the starter (I believe) made a nasty rough, grating sort of cough after starting.

I suspect that the starter drive failed to properly disengage from the flywheel, as I've heard an abbreviated version of this noise sometimes in the morning even when the car is garaged, doesn't seem to occur when warm.

What does the group think, am I headed for a new starter sometime soon?

Kevin

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'85 300SD

clean and lubricate, reinstall, or get a new starter soon.

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ASE Master Mechanic
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Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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Given how tough getting the darn thing out apears to be, it seems like installing a new one would be the best option.

Thanks

Kevin

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'85 300SD