Ford Escort 1.9L automatic, year-old replacement starter bought brand new
My starter briefly grinds slightly when the key is released and the engine is cold, especially when the weather is below 80-90F. It's done this since new, and the grinding isn't getting worse. I've tried moving the starter around, including the addition of washers approx. .025" thick to shim it (since removed), but nothing changed.
Could this starter have been inadequately lubed? Should I just grease the throw-out fork (if there is one) and the drive pinion (the one that goes intot he overrun clutch, not the pinion that goes against the flywheel gear)?
I know that I should have exchanged it soon after purchase, but now all they'll give me is a rebuilt, and I don't want to risk that because it's from Pep Boys, and the original was brand new, not a rebuilt.