1992 llRattle On Start Up

I just bought it 2 weeks ago.
I noticed it right away, the previous owner included a new flywheel so I'm sure he also thought it was dead spots in the flywheel.
No mods, bone stock with 122k miles.
To me it sounds like the starter gear is spinning up with the running engine.

limp said:

Pop the hood and let a mechanic listen to it... sounds like it might be lifters.

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Definitely not lifters, I'm familiar with the "diesel engine rattle and clatter" of gasoline engine lifters .
Next weekend I'm going to sit at the wheel while my mechanic puts it up on a lift
Then I'm going to start it with him underneath.
I'm positive it's something in the starter/flywheel area.
It's almost like I'm keeping the key in the start position with the engine running.
It sounds like the starter spooling up with the running engine for a second or two

I was thinking about the possibility but I think it's a mechanical issue.
I believe the starter needs to be shimmed.
In other words, I feel the starter gear is not properly aligned to the flywheel thus not releasing when the ignition switch is released.
I can definitely hear the starter spooling up with the running.engine.
I'm going to start the car on a lift and have my mechanic look and listen underneath.
Gotta be the best way to track this down before I damage a brand new flywheel and/or starter.

nicholase said:

How does the block shim look? It's the piece of steel sheet metal that goes between the engine and transmission. Is that in there and in good condition? That is what aligns the starter properly among other things. It can cause all sorts of weird issues if it's been modified or beaten up.

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Honestly I'm not sure if it's condition.
My mechanic just replaced the clutch set and flywheel .
He never mentioned anything was damaged or missing.
I'm going to have to bring it back to him for inspection as I don't want to damage the new flywheel or starter..

I'll definitely check, thanks!

I see that this spacer is used with the automatic C 4 transmission.
I'm running a manual T5.
Also this car is bone stock, the starter was original, as was the flywheel, which boggles my mind even more.

I definitely will, thanks!