starter going bad?

[WhiteFizzo]

Are there any indications that the starter is going bad other than the car will not crank? I have this weird noise after I start my car. About 3 seconds after the engine has started, there is this rattle (this is the best phrase I can think of). This lasts for about 1-2 seconds and then it is gone. The only time I hear this is when I am cranking the engine. It doesn't matter if the engine is hot or cold.

I just replaced my smog pump about 3 weeks ago, this sound has only been happening for a few days, but the smog pump box said that it may take up to 1000 miles for the pump to be fully broken in. During this timeframe, there may be some noise. I would expect noise while the car is running also. Any ideas?

 

[WhiteFizzo]

bump

 

[86bluecobra]

Could also be a bad battery if it won't crank.

 

[PJB]

My starter sometimes stays engaged after the car is started and sounds like a whirring noise. Eventually it just stops. When its doing that I can take the key out and it still does that and if I put the key back in to the run (but not start) position it starts up.

 

[DEFWISH]

the selenoid could be keeping the starter engaged

 

[Shakerhood]

When my Solenoid failed it would just sometimes click when I turned the key and not engage the Starter.

 

[Roland69]

some starters need to be shimmed when they get replaced. It pulls the starter gear away from the flywheel a little so it don't make that "ziiiiiing" noise. I have had to do this to a few chebbys but not to often on a ford.