Over the last month I have noticed an unusual phenomenon on the S2k.

If, and only if, I leave it sitting a day without driving, on first start up I hear a noise as if the starter motor is continuing to spin and grind after the engine starts. It only last for a split second and if I had to guess I would say it sounds like the starter clutch dogs are not retracting properly and the engine is spinning the starter motor for a brief moment after the engine has started.

So far it has happened approx 5 to 6 times. I suspect I am in the early stages of starter motor failure and if so, I would like to proactively address the problem rather than wait for it to fail at an incovenient moment.

Of course, I could always visit the dealer but it could be simple problem some one else has already experienced and found an easy fix for.

Your thoughts and experiences gentlemen?

EDIT: I forgot to mention, my S2k is 5+ years old, is a daily driver with an average of 2.5 starts per day and has covered 83K kms.

 

I think your starter motor theory might be right. Does anyone know if it's a common starter motor or, as I think I have heard, some special one off item?

I'd probably put the car on jacks and listen to it start from underneath to see if I could be more certain of the source of the problem. Then if it still seems to be the starter pull it out and check it for crud or wear. Might just be a lubrication issue. If it doesn't improve then look for a second hand one or get it reconditioned.

 

I think you're right Aus. I'll leave it sitting this Saturday then get my son to start it on Sunday whilst I get my head under the bonnet. I don't think I'll get underneath the car though as it's a pain in the bum to get it up on a jack and I've heard lots of horror stories of people being scalped if their hair manages to get too close to the drive belts.

 

Bill and myself also experience this phenomenon. We thought the starter motors as well, and we also had thought on maybe the cam chain tension, but at this point we havent looked into it further, well I dont know if Billman did...

 

Thanks Venomous. It sounds like this may not be too serious if you guys haven't felt the need to investigate further.

How long has your S2k being making this noise? I believe Billman runs a Honda repair shop so I guess he is more likely to run across this problem than the average owner.

 

Billman's thread

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...f=133&t=242530

 

Has the transmission ever been out of the car? If so, check to see if the upper starter bolt was put back in. The dealer left it out of mine (I noticed when I replaced the clutch myself) and it caused uneven wear on the starter gear.. I can see that could cause the noise over time.

 

Good point CD, I had Honda replace the 2nd, 3rd and 6th gear synchros around 2.5 years ago. I'll check it out and let you know. It does seem odd though that it would take this long to surface if the work was done that long ago.