[01sfsport]

my 01 sf forester 5 speed.
191,750 miles.
bought roughly 4,000 miles ago from a dealership in PA.

yesterday my car developed a clunking noise when i start her. doesn't affect driving what so ever. its kinda loud. only clunks when i start her up. any info is greatly appreciated. thanks , tony.

 

[frogstar7055]

Well a guess would be a starter issue.
Does it make the noise only when cranking it or just after it starts?

 

[01sfsport]

only when cranking...

 

[frogstar7055]

I'd say starter going bad,maybe flywheel but I'd try the starter first.

 

[01sfsport]

alright ill give the starter a try, wouldn't the clutch be affected while driving if the flywheel was going bad?

 

[mickey76]

is it a quick clunk or is it a spaced out clunk? if it is clunking fast then starter, if its spaced out like once per engine revolution its the flywheel missing teeth

 

[frogstar7055]

is it a quick clunk or is it a spaced out clunk? if it is clunking fast then starter, if its spaced out like once per engine revolution its the flywheel missing teeth

True that.
If the starter drive gear is going bad you can tell when you get it off.
It should have a one way clutch in the gear.

 

[01sfsport]

well fml , i think its the flywheel missing teeth then. how could that happen? and its gonna be kinda expensive to do huh?