Starter Runs But Engine does not turn over

[david_t]

"1994 3.0 Starter was making a

"1994 3.0 Starter was making a whirling noise but engine would not crank/turn over. Checked out the starter at auto store and starter is good. Bought new batt., reinstalled starter and the engine started fine for 2 days. At the end of the next wkend starter would only whirl again and engine would not crank. I replaced the old starter but same problem still occurs. Starter whirls but engine does not turn. Replacing the starter I found the long bolt is missing and I can't replace right now beecause the threads are broken off in the block and will need to be removed. Also the short screw does not thread totaly tight. Viewing the fly wheel thru the hole where the starter fits in it appears teeth are ok to the best I can see and the fly wheel can be turned. If not the battery and not the starter..., why does the starter run but the engine not turn?"

 

[sandkicker]

"If its a new starter...one of

"If its a new starter...one of two things

1) There are one or more teeth broken off the flywheel and if the engine happens to stop with the broken toothed gap at the point where the started pinion wants to grab the flywheel when it expends on start...spin but no crank

2) The combination of the "broken off threads on the long bolt" and the "short screw does not thread totally tight" results in a condition where the starter pinion expends on start but cannot reach the flywheel.

#2 needs fixed regardless and while the starter is out, use a mirror and flashlight to look in the starter hole. Mark the flywheel with a dab of paint, remove the sparkplugs and have a large friend use a large socket wrench to turn the pully on the front of the engine Clockwise. Make sure ALL the teeth are there on the flywheel. If they aren't you will need a new flywheel (or a new to you one anyway)."

 

[david_t]

Thank you for the response. Th

Thank you for the response. That makes sense and to why it would work and not work at different times. But two more questions... I removed the starter and reinstalled it without ever moving the fly wheel when I put the new battery in and it started without any problem... wouldn't the missing teeth still be in the wrong location? Can the starter moter run but not kick out if the ground is not good? I am going to inspect the fly wheel teeth Thursday as you suggested. Tahnks again for the help and input.