Got nearly 300K on this 4 cyl auto transmission accord. had car since new. Still starting fine, but experiencing a short grinding noise right before engine fires up. Doesn't do it every time.

Sound like the starter motor is getting tired?? Open to ideas on this. Its the original starter.

Second question...Original equipment replacement Honda starter motor has predatory price. Local auto store carries this one (link below). Opinions on non-Honda brand starter motors - as in, reliability for the significant price difference.?

List: Starter - 2001 Honda Accord | O'Reilly Auto Parts

By the way...this is most reliable automobile I have ever owned! Can't imagine ever owning something besides a Honda.

Thanks.

 

My experience:
I've good results w/ dealer and NAPA parts and that's my only source now.

I won't buy parts at Oreilly 'cuz of bad experiences; 3 different components didn't work - right out of the box.

 

any input on the grinding noise?
Thanks

 

You would almost have to take apart the starter to figure out what is binding. You may want to find a place that would rebuild your starter?

 

If I had to guess....the bendix is getting weak or binding. You could try removing the starter and clean and re-lube the bendix and see what you have from there?

 

The noise would be either the starter Bendix or the flywheel missing teeth. Sometimes you get lucky and all you need to do is clean up the starter to remove engine oil from an oil leak running down in that area such as a rear main leak. I would go with one from Majestic Honda or have yours rebuilt.