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okay, this time I actually need mechanic advice.
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this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2023
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Mechanic Advice
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It sounds like the starter bendix is being slow to disengage. Especially if it's just making the sound immediately after starting.
That makes sense. I didn't really drive it last winter so I'm not sure if it's just a general quirk of this gen of subarus or not. I did just do head gaskets over the summer so I've peeked at both the flywheel and the starter recently and nothing was damaged/dirty.
I'm also suspicious that my alternator is on its last legs since the lights dim when the ac is on, and the lights brighen after the turn signal disengages lol.
I agree with the above guy, kinda sounds like your starter is slow to disengage.
However I am listening on mobile/speaker and can't be sure, it almost sounds like a belt squeal on my phone and if if it weren't for the sequence of start - squeal I wouldn't guess starter lol.
Will listen later with headphones, but is it more of a squeal or grind?
Btw I've been busy and haven't checked the sub, saw where you shouted me out and it was heartwarming, thanks mi amigo
Also, ikidd's theory is plausible too, if you have a multimeter pop that bad boy on your battery and ensure it's above 12 while the engine is off. Then, since you mentioned you were worried about your alternator, start the engine back up and check the battery with the multimeter while running. You should see at least about 13 volts. You can also test the alternator directly, look it up and see how many amps it's supposed to be putting out then cross reference with what you have
The more I hear it the more I'm convinced it's insufficient fresh lubricant on the mechanical bits of the starter. The belt shenanigan sounds are freshly familiar because it was my first time putting new ones on over the summer, after dropping the engine back in- I was too gentle and didn't tension them up enough. I cleaned a lot of gunk out of the starter while the engine was out but I don't think I regreased.
Definitely lubricate just to be safe but also check the battery as kidd is right this is the season.
Do you have a multimeter? If not, harbor freight had them for iirc $8.99 last year, usually don't recommend them but it's been a good little backup
I love my multimeter lol
Late response ik but I love mine too they're so handy