Turbo M20 engine starter and flywheel issues

[RICKYRIZZL]

Hello fellow E30 enthusiast, I’m new to the forum. I have an issue and in some wishful thinking I figured I haven’t been the only one who been thru this issue. Turbo M20 and I suppose the getrag transmission has a stage two clutch with complementary flywheel. (I bought the car with the mods) when starting over the engine starter makes a weird noise. Not the usual whining noise from a bad starter. Starter been taken out and checked at local auto parts store seems to be good. Turned engine over quarter ways and flywheel looks fine. Engine would start even with unusual sound. Thanks in advance.

[digger]

What flywheel are you using ?

[Tom Galloway]

Could be missing one of the centering pins between trans & block - starter alignment.

[RICKYRIZZL]

digger I’m still trying to find out. I’m not aware of what mods have been put on the car. I’ll get back to you with that one.
@tomgalloway I haven’t taken the trans apart, don’t have the tools for it.

[82eye]

digger I’m still trying to find out. I’m not aware of what mods have been put on the car. I’ll get back to you with that one.
@tomgalloway I haven’t taken the trans apart, don’t have the tools for it.

flywheel looks aftermarket. there have been some issues with the starter gear engaging too far in or not meshing correct with some aftermarket installs. there looks to be possible wear marks at the top of the flywheel teeth suggesting the starter is jamming right against it, or it could be just the pic or gear itself

check the starter gear for excessive or unusual wear. the starter gear usually takes the brunt of it if something is wrong.

[ForcedFirebird]

That appears to be a UUC (or clone) clutch kit.

Did it always make the noise, or was the starter changed recently?

The m42/m50 starters and ring gear are different than m20. You have to match the flywheel with the starter.

[hasa]

Flywheel looks very odd as M20 flywheel. Starter ring seems to be backed by extra material which prevents starter gear to engage properly. Also what is that nut at the backside of the flywheel????? Flywheel should have no nuts, only screws.

[ForcedFirebird]

Flywheel looks very odd as M20 flywheel. Starter ring seems to be backed by extra material which prevents starter gear to engage properly. Also what is that nut at the backside of the flywheel????? Flywheel should have no nuts, only screws.

It's and aftermarket clutch with a replaceable friction ring....

[ForcedFirebird]

Also reason I ask about the starter, UUC doesn't offer an m20 FW, only 24v (which means you would need a 24v starter)....

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/flywheel/

[digger]

Also reason I ask about the starter, UUC doesn't offer an m20 FW, only 24v (which means you would need a 24v starter)....

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/flywheel/

http://store.uucmotorwerks.com/mobile/lightweight-flywheel-for--84-91-e30-325iisix-and-e34-525im20---m5-sprung-hub-clutch-conversion-p1327.aspx

their website states they do. This may have recently changed as the ring gears are NLA from bmw last time I checked

[ForcedFirebird]

That's the m5 conversion, not sure that uses m20 starter.

[digger]

That's the m5 conversion, not sure that uses m20 starter.

It says stock starter

[TobyB]

Looks like the pinion's overrunning the gear teeth.

Try a bit of a spacer...

t

[82eye]

Looks like the pinion's overrunning the gear teeth.

Try a bit of a spacer...

could make one if necessary.