horrid umm, grinding in engine
 

hiya, so, I go out to start my car, I turn the ignition, then I hear this horrible horrible grinding noise I believe, :o kinda embarassin when you have a red 300zx that kinda stands out in a parking lot with people walking around, but anyways, I'm thinkin the starter might need some replacing, how about you all?

oh yeah, since im back in school, and i have like no time at all to do anything with my car other than drive it to and from, where is that starter located? when I got it like a month ago it didnt come with an owners manual or anything and I havent had the time to go out and get a haynes or chiltons. btw, while im on that, which one would you recommend? anywho, yeah, this grinding only happens every so often, but it is really annoying, and probably bad, help anyone?

It only happens at startup? It doesn't keep going with the engine running right?

Just checking. Here's a pic of where the starter is located. I highlighted the oil filter and the background is yellow so the starter is easier to pick out from the trans in the picture.

haha nice pic, I'm pretty sure its the starter, it sounds like the starter that was on my lawnmower trying to engage the flywheel or something like that, had to replace it on the mower, so I'm guessin I'll have to do that pretty soon to the z. No engine light comes on(just the seatbelt light but that goes off after a little bit, even though i put it on when i get into the car) and it only happens every once in a while, It's just the starter not umm, starting the car, lol, or something like that, I guess I'll take a look under the car to find the lil bugger tomorrow, seeing as it is 11:30pm and really dark outside, thanks for the pic! :)

Starter and flywheel needs inspection
 

You starter may need replacement or the bolts might need torquing if your flywheel is sound (got all its teeth).