i had that horrible grinding noise when i went to start my Z at the morning and replaced the starter, losta battery due to alternator problems, got a new one...now when engine is ideling and i turn on the lights...i hit the break and the all the interior dims a little bit..also when im just ideling and no lights..i turn them on and it kinda shakes a little...any ide where to start looking for this prob..??..oohh and the stupid grinding noiuse is still there...only not as often as it used to..flywheel damage maybe??

 

I'm not trying to be an *** when I say this, but re-read what you just typed & tell me if that makes much sense.... unless English is your second language. If so, I apoligize for my "assyness."

Anyway, I dunno about that grinding noise, but if there isn't enough electricity to power the lights, start checking your alternator. Might want to take it to AutoZone & get it checked.

 

did you actually replace your alternator or just get a new battery?

If you replaced your alternator, it may be your belts that are causing your car to "bog" when you turn on your lights....I had a similar problem a month or two ago w/ my 240sx...I didn't tighten the belts enough and it was just enough to keep the car running, but it would make the car shake and eventually die everytime I turned on the headlights.

I don't think your starter would be related to this in any way.

 

Sounds like your propane tank is leaking. I would have that looked at if i was you.

 

Did I miss something

 

negatory.

:s-redeemer:

 

Starter aliment off or the starter not working right could = grinding noise. As for the lights dimming could be a number of things...dirty battery terminals, bad chassis ground. Double check all your connections with your chassis and your starter. Also buy a good alternator. I bought one from Oriely, not just the cheapest one. It came with a lifetime warranty and has lasted over a year now with no problems.

What I would do..... 1st Redo all my grounds and connections between the battery, alternator and starter, checking my alternator belt and replaceing it
2nd spin the motor with starter off and inspect the teeth on the flywheel
3rd reinstall the starter making sure it is identical to stock

 

Are you SURE I didn't miss something

 

He's just being an ***-clown (no offence Dom)... ya know, like:

"Hey, you better check your windshield batteries!"
or
"If your tires are low, make sure you fill them with hydrogen."
or
"If your car is slow, turn up the adjustometer and you'll go faster."

 

Well I checkd my windshield batteries and even turned up my adjustometer and no change Maybe I'll try the Hydrogen trick

 

My car has a PROPANE TANK!? Hank Hill must have gotten into my car.

Anyway, as for the grinding and the lights dieing. That almost sounds like the problem I had. Where a socket got into the car, bent the alternator's fan blade which then got caught on the belt. So not only was the belt jumping and not correctly running the alternator, it was making a lound grinding noise(which may have been louder because it was in a garage). It was also chewing up the belt. Do you by any chance have a burning smell when you turn off the car? When my belt was getting shredded. I'd stop the car and you could smell something like burning rubber. My problem was fixed by bending those blades of the alternator fan back into place, and putting on a new belt. This may not be your problem, but it's just a thought.

 

no burning smell..although i think it might be the belt..since i changed the alt, starter and batery..maybe i didnt tighten the belt as it needs..does it have to go at a specific torque?..

 

Holy shiznit! I always do a triple check that I got all my tools & parts outta the engine bay before starting the car. Note to self: do not drop sockets into the alternator fan blade.


There is a tool to check tightness of the belt, but just tighten it to where you can only twist the belt (with your hand) to about 60 degrees either way (as in: grab the belt in the middle between the crank & alternator).

 

Sounds like you have the same problem I did, I wouldn't worry much about the torque...your car is still running which means the torque is close, I'd just tighten down the tensioner another turn or two and it should be enough.