My starter makes a lot of noise after I let off the ignition switch. It sounds like it's winding down. I have to wait for it to stop before I try to start again. Is this normal? I just bought the car, so I don't know if it's always done this.

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'71 Dart Swinger

Welcome to the wonderful world of early Chrysler starters.

Noisy, aren't they...

some people hate 'em. Some consider them "distinctive."

The early starters all use a (cheap, noisy) gear reduction unit in the head of the starter between the electric motor and the flywheel.

If it annoys you, you can always convert to the new, modern, mini-starter.

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My truck is a Frankenstein creation
Built from the dead carcasses of others
And brought BACK TO LIFE!

Yes, those starters take a bit to wind down. The armature spins at around 11,000 RPM under no load and it has a lot of inerita.

Those starters use a leather friction washer in the drive gear area that works as a brake when you let go of the key. Those are always worn out and completely missing on most starters I've rebuilt. If the leather washer is replaced it will help slow down your starter faster.
The bad news it that to replace the leather washer requires COMPLETE disassembley of the starter, not short cuts on that one.

Tell me more about this new, modern, mini starter. Does it have a brake? How do I identify which one will fit my car? Thanks for the help.

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'71 Dart Swinger

The mini-starters can be found on '89-up V6 and V8 trucks and vans. I got mine off a '94 or so Dakota V6 for $35 from a wrecking yard. Very durable units and spin the engine over like it wasn't there. Imagine just taping the key hot or cold and the engine firing off! A true Good Thing.