Starter motor on its way out ... ?

[ash]

HI

When I start the car I get a horrible noise once it actually starts, I can only assume this is the starter motor starting to fail .... is this a common problem and if so easy to fix or should I be looking at a new one .... :confused:

Thanks all!

[v6dub]

That should not be the starter motor because once the car is running; the starter motor will disengage from the fly wheel, unless it is not being released from the fly wheel, in which case you will need a new starter motor.

[spolky]

Starter gets dirty and dry and doesn't disengage from flywheel, so you get horrible crunching sound. Can usually be cured (poss. onloy temporarily) by taking the starter out, cleaning and lubricating it.