So just before my clutch went out, I started experiencing starting problems. With the car in neutral, when I turned the key, it would just make a horrible grinding sound and not turn the engine over. I had a Mustang and it did the same thing, and it turns out (via the next owner of the car) that the flywheel had ground down teeth on it. Its making the EXACT same sound as it did in the Mustang, and I already checked the starter and the teeth look fine and it passed the Autozone test. I don't have an impact wrench, and from what I hear, the flywheel is pretty damn hard to get off. I'm not gonna put the trans back on without replacing it if it needs to be replaced though.

So how do I inspect the flywheel? Would there be teeth nearly completely gone, or just slightly rounded? Also, the flywheels for these cars seem ridiculously expensive (like more than clutch/pressure plate combos) so is it ok to get a used one? Do I need to get one with counterweights already on it? I don't have alot of money and I can't afford a $300 flywheel at the moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

A large portion of what you just asked has been beat to death and the info is available in the archives and maybe the faqs(in terms of replacing them). You can also look at info on the mazdatrix website.


I would look at your starter before assuming the flywheel teeth have been ground off. These flyhweels are built pretty strong.

 

As long as you are getting proper voltage to the starter and the starter bolts are tight then the most likely cause of your issue is the starter.

The bendix portion of the starter has failed. It is pretty difficult to damage the teeth on our flywheels and I have never seen one damaged.

 

Ok thats what I'm hoping for. If I took pics of the starter's teeth, would you be able to tell?

 

Check all your electrical connections, especially the grounds on for the starter that is. That is the problem and not the flywheel having ground off teeth.

 

Yeah it looks totally fine. Damn electrics!!