2002 Durango. 4.7 litre automatic. 210,000 miles. I notice when the thing's turning over to start, I hear a kind of whirling/rattling noise. Almost sounds like plastic grinding on plastic. It stops as soon as it gets running.
Lately, it makes that same old noise when I accelerate, right about 1600rpms it starts.
Any thoughts on whether this is a starter problem or an engine problem?
I put it into neutral when I was coasting and revv'ed her up, and it makes the noise in neutral as well as drive.
I notice that when I stop and and shut her off, then get goin' again, sometimes the noise won't be present when accelerating. That's why I think it may be the starter. Like maybe the armature doesn't come back in again or something.
Any input/insight will be welcomed and appreciated.

 

A grinding noise would imply that starter overrun (don't know if thats the technical term) clutch is having go. It really sounds like the starter is staying engaged or something. At 210k it probably is a good idea to replace it.