If you can still hear the starter operating regardless whether or not it engages with the fly wheel then there are only two explanations
The first is the flywheel. If one or more of the teeth break off then at that spot the gear on the starter is unable to engage it and turn the engine over.
The second has to do with the starter. The parts that cause the problem your dealing with are the Solenoid and Bendix/Starter Drive.
The Solenoid is basically just a big magnetic switch that moves the Bendix/Starter Drive in to the teeth of the flywheel. The Bendix/Starter Drive is comprised of a pinion gear, spring, several washers and a shaft.
Either one of these two components can fail due to wear. The solenoid can become weak and the spring on the Bendix/Starter Drive can break or just weaken over time.
When this happens the pinion gear will not be pushed close enough to engage the flywheel.
Once the starter is removed from the car inspect the Starter Drive for wear or broken parts. If that looks alright then you can test the Solenoid. You do this by securing the starter from moving around then, using jumper cables, attach to the appropriate positive and negative connections on the starter. You will be able to clearly see if the Solenoid fails to move the Bendix/Starter Drive forward. In most instances either one of these items can be replaced at a cost much less then a new starter.
Although it unlikely caused by a damaged flywheel a good way to check is to turn the engine using the large crank bolt at the front of the engine the next time this occurs. You only need to move it enough to move any broke section out from of the way of the pinion gear.
I hope this helps
It sounds like you have either the Starter motor is shorting in side so taking out to many amps out of battery OR the battery isent up to 100% of 12 volts and down to 11.5 volts.
So get the battery check out first if ok then go to starter motor.
250 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×