A loud noise is heard while cranking the engine, after the engine fires but while the starter is still held engaged.

The starter motor clutch is probably worn.

Repair the starter motor.

After starting the engine, a "rumble," "growl" or "knock" is heard as the starter is coasting down from a stop.

The starter motor armature may be bent or unbalanced.

Repair the starter motor.

A whine is heard before the engine fires.

The distance is too great between the starter pinion and the flywheel.

Remove the shims at the starter mount.

A whine is heard after the engine fires.

The distance is too small between the starter pinion and the flywheel. (Flywheel runout contributes to the intermittent nature of the problem.)

Add shims at the starter mount.

A whoop is heard after the engine fires.

This is usually due to a worn starter motor clutch.

Remove the starter motor and check the clutch.

A knock is heard as the starter is coasting to a stop.

This is usually due to a bent or unbalanced starter armature.

Remove the starter motor and check the armature.