Okay, the only way I can start my car is by push starting it and popping the clutch. I checked the battery and it is peachy. The car starts to turn and the tach needle jumps to 1500 rpm for a split second then it just stops. Kinda a BRRUUMMMPPPPPPT, (normal starting sound) for a second, then it just stops. I can hear the fuel pump running and all but the engine doesnt seem to want to crank.
Any ideas? I'm thinking its the starter, but what do you guys think?

Thanks,
Ben

 

It sounds like the starter is turning but not engaging the gear (sliding out to engage the flywheel), this means you need a starter, but remove the existing one and check that it does pop out and spin, you'll need to test both circuits to do this, just use the wire location points to test both actions.

 

Is it possible that I could have broken teeth on the flywheel, b/c the car has been shifting quite hard at times, and 3rd gear seems to be non existent everyonce in a while too. Maybe its time to replace the starter, clutch package, and a new tranny?

 

After you remove the starter visual inspect the flywheel for damage, turn it slowly with a lever and beware of damaging the teeth, make sure its in neutral.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

hard shifting isnt a function of the starter or flywheel ring gear teeth..
shifting is a function of the quality of your gear oul, your linkages in the upper tranny, synchros, clutch disengagement (soft peddle make bad shift) and the like.

personal note: changed gear oil in our tranny from synthetic 75w90 to dino 75w90... makes whirring noise all the time and crunching noises if i shift too hard, especially in the cold. synthetic oil is DEFINATLY the way to go here.