1971 F100 Stock 360

Started truck up and got it to operating temp and turned it off.

I was bumping my starter over to check the points gap. Bumped it once and then bumped it again. On the second one the distributor wouldn't spin.
Now all I hear is something spinning very quickly, but the distributor doesn't turn.
Oil Pump seized?
Timing Chain Broke?

What's your thoughts?

 

Have you pulled the distributor yet? I haven't had enough coffee yet to think, but there is a roll pin securing the helical gear on the distributor shaft. Maybe that sheared.

 

if you hear something spinning real fast and engine not turning over then,
I'd pull the starter and check it. The gear that engages to the fly wheel ring gear may have failed.
Orich

 

sounds like starter is not kicking gear forward , common starter problem

 

Well given what he wrote I get the impression the engine is turning over, but not the distributor. He would not know the distributor isn't turning over otherwise?

Therefore the issue is, everything is normal except the distributor rotor is not turning. He's asking the right questions.

 

You guys are awesome!
Pulled the distributor and everything looked great. Turned the motor over with a 15/16 socket on the crank. Looked down and saw both cam and gear moving.
Put it to TDC installed the distributor back on.
It's definitely the starter gear not kicking out to the flywheel. I gave the starter a few good taps with a mallet and no change. Still not engaging with the fly wheel.

I will be replacing the starter. Any specific vendor to look at or stay away from?

 

Well OK. If the engine won't turn over at all don't bother pulling the distributor!

I would probably try to satisfy myself the starter is actually bad. It's a judgment call too, how old is it, etc. Poorly grounded solenoid?, starter, cables, bad battery etc. I like to couple a new starter with a new solenoid. New as in NOS, not the el-cheapo chinesium schitt out there today. Probably a new Bendix starter drive as well. And some new starter cables - and and.. ...

 

Hard to say any more what's good any more. Who ever gives you the longest warrantee. I guess it is about all you can do now days. Or take it to a loco rebuilder.

The solenoid is working if it's engaging the starting motor to spin it over.
It could be better then a Chinese make ones that may be all you can find in the loco auto parts stores.

Orich

 

Something spinning fast with nothing moving was the tip off for me! NOT NORMAL.

Orich

 

Yabut, "fast" means different things depending. Even the title, the reader assumes the dizzy is the only thing that ain't spinning. He mentioned the rotor didn't turn,but neglected to mention the motor itself didn't turn over! No worries mate, tho clear communication always helps.

 

Bottom line he's on to the fix, and hopefully it's just a starter replacement then he's on his way to happy motoring once again.
Orich

 

Is it just me or does it seem a little odd that the only way you can tell your engine isn't spinning over is because the distributor isn't turning?

 

It certainly does Ollie. But I wasn't going to say it.

 

That big propeller could do it if so equipped. Should odd of do it
Orich

 

Orich, that's the first thing I ALWAYS watch for!!!