Starter Going out? Whistle sound at start-now grinding rock sound at start

[PastorKen]

Hello, all!   I've searched through the forum best I could before adding another thread:
1986 Chevy Stepside C10  4.3  V6

Whistle sound at start:  4 or so whistles [like when I call the dogs in] and then the motor would fire off and run with no more whistle.

Today: No whistle, but nasty grinding [like bearings out] or rocks in a blender sound before engine fires off and runs.

Starter?  Could the whistle have been from the alternator brushes...that was a suggestion from father in law.

Thanks for your consideration and advice.

Ken

[Fairlane514]

When you installed the starter did you check the ring gear to starter gear clearance?  There is a shim kit with  a gauge which looks like a drill bit for getting proper clearance. It should not have a whistle or grinding sound.

[bd]

...1986 Chevy Stepside C10  4.3  V6...
Whistle sound at start... nasty grinding [like bearings out]....
Starter?

Only while cranking?

Was noise concomitant with installation of this starter, or has the starter been in service for awhile and the noise is recent?

[PastorKen]

I have not replaced the starter on this vehicle.  The noise is a recent phenomena.  Only occurs at start up and is not evident during driving or idling.

Ken

[bd]

May have an armature dragging.  Resolution would be to replace the starter assembly.  Be sure to check the starter mounting for missing bolts/cracks and inspect the ring gear on the flexplate (automatic trans) or flywheel (manual trans) for chipped teeth and wear.

[Irish_Alley]

would the engine and starter be turning over with the whistling or while you where trying to turn the motor over just the starter would move?