Hi -

Or at least I'm assuming this is a starter problem.

1995 F800 5.9 Cummins (box truck). When trying to start, starter just "whirrrrs", does not turn engine over. Had "whirrred" like this previously but when re-cranked would usually start.

Is this the simple "rebuild solenoid" issue? Or something else?

I appreciate any information and/or advice, truck is currently stranded in a shopping center parking lot!

 

The starter motor is turning, but not engaging the flywheel ring gear. Sounds like the solenoid isn't working. The solenoid is supposed to be drawn by the electromagnetic field created when activated. The movement, is supposed to move the arm attached to the solenoid, which is connected to an arm at the starter nose cone. The movement of that arm is what moves the starter bendix out, and into mesh with the flywheel ring gear. This symptom doesn't occur on starting systems where the solenoid is the switch between the battery and starter motor, but can on the starters that use a starter motor mounted solenoid for moving the bendix arm.

 

Could be something else.

When this occurres on a gasser, the starter drive has landed on a spot on the flywheel where the ring gear teeth are chipped or missing.

Since truck started previously when this occurred, it could very well be chipped/missing teeth.

One simple fixum is to get out and give the truck a slight push while it's in gear...moving the flywheel just enough that the teeth are OK.

But pushing this truck by hand is not gonna happen, unless you're Andre the Giant or King Kong.

 

Or it could be like my Windsor. New starter drive clutch stripped out. All looked good but the drive would turn by hand both ways.

 

Yep the bendix would definitely be something to check.. could be the flywheel, but usually it would grind , but I guess it could be that ground down..

Id pull the starter..