I want to see if anyone else has issues starting their car with a 5 speed manual. About 1 in every 20 times when I start the car, it doesn't start and makes either a sputtering sound or a sound like a chainsaw. And it doesn't start. I have 27k on the car now and I know if I brought it in and the dealer can't duplicate the problem, then I won't get a new starter. But I would hate to hit 36k and then bam, starter goes for good. Or perhaps this is a common issue? Anyone else have this problem?

 

Its probably not your starter itself, but rather the starter drive. Its the assembly in the nose of the starter than extends out and engages the flywheel. Most people refer to it as the bendix, but actually bendix is a manufacturer. You could buy these at almost any parts store. I had to r&r one on a 99 4x4 blazer this week and I found it at NAPA for $18. So this would be a cheap way to try to fix it b4 it ruins the flywheel.