After reading this thread (Video/Sound clip of bad timng chain tensioner, DIY), I know the TCT is NOT my problem.

I'll be looking at this thread. (Starter Replacement, The helms lies)

 

I'll join the crew on this one. MY00. Starter also stays engaged for a bit too long when starting cold.

It has also died both times, after letting the clutch out in neutral after starting. I'll attribute this to cold weather and the ECU needing to adjust.

 

After hearing close to 700 s2ks start up, I FINALLY heard one with a sticky starter (starter staying engaged for a 1/2 sec at startup)

Definitely a nasty grinding noise...no way possible to mistake it for a bad TCT.

I shoulda got a sound clip...

 

Oh I totally agree - when you hear it You know exactly what it is. Starter 100%

 

if you have a proposed fix...please do tell.

there are several threads on this issue with unknown solutions....even replacing the starter failed to eliminate the problem.

 

Starter afterrun is directly related to teeth depth. The trick is to never give up your original starter. Have it rebuilt, and re-use it.

Grease on the teeth of the starter should eliminate it 85% of the time.

 

Mine started a few months ago. First time it did it was after sitting for about a week. I went to start it and nothing happened when I pushed the button. I threw the clutch in and rolled it back about a foot and tried again. Nasty grinding noise for about a second then started right up. Now it does it every first start of the day. Definately not TCT, totally different "nails on the chalk board" kind of noise.