Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
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From: Houston
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Jumped in the 71 this morning and the starter would just spin. It sounds like it is spinning free of anything. I rolled the truck a little trying to move the flywheel in case the starter had just lined up with a spot on the flywheel with no teeth. I had to go to work so I didn't really look at it. Is it for sure the flywheel, or should I look for something else too. I just got this truck two days ago so I really don't know its history. It is a 71 with a transplanted 460.
"if I woulda paid another nickle I coulda had it painted purple"
Thanks
Austin
"if I woulda paid another nickle I coulda had it painted purple"
Thanks
Austin
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Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 30-Apr-01 AT 09:33 AM (EST)[/font][p]Sounds like the starter Bendix is hanging. Could be dirty, rusted if it's been sitting a long time, or a broken spring.
94 E-150 High Top Conversion Van 4.9/C-6
89 Mustang LX 5.0 - 5 speed
94 E-150 High Top Conversion Van 4.9/C-6
89 Mustang LX 5.0 - 5 speed
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Richmond USA
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
If you have a automatic behind that 460, rolling the Truck
forward will not help with the flexplate.
If you have a manual trans. than rolling will help move pass
the bad teeth on the flywheel.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
forward will not help with the flexplate.
If you have a manual trans. than rolling will help move pass
the bad teeth on the flywheel.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
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From: Houston
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Yeah, it has a C6 behind it. When I get home I think I will put a wrench on the crank and turn it by hand. Will that turn the flywheel too? It has been a while since I have messed with an old truck. It is great but I have forgoten alot.
Austin
Austin
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From: Richmond USA
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Yes, if you turn the crank it will turn the flexplate.
(manuals have flywheels).
If it catches(engine turns) after you turn the crank a few degrees, than you have a bad set of teeth on the flexplate.
If it does not catch(engine turns) than you have a bad starter drive, replace starter.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
(manuals have flywheels).
If it catches(engine turns) after you turn the crank a few degrees, than you have a bad set of teeth on the flexplate.
If it does not catch(engine turns) than you have a bad starter drive, replace starter.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
You can always try the old tried and true method of giving the starter a big whack and see if it engages then. It could just be a sticky starter drive.
Sparky
Sparky
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Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
I second that one sparky. How about the most handy tool to man - the club or bat? Sometimes the mechanisim that pushes the starter gear into action sticks when it's ready for a new one. Try giving that stater a whack. or two
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Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Could just be loose or missing starter mounting bolts. Even if the starter appears to be tight, two tight bolts and one missing one (usually the top) can cause this problem. I'd check that before whacking/replacing anything.
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From: Houston
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Well, i got home yesterday and grabbed my mechanical fan and gave it a tug. The engine turner a little so I jumped in the cab and it started right up. I'm still going to check the bolts on the starter. I just got it the other day so I haven't had any time yet to really check her out.
"If I woulda paid another nickle I coulda got'er painted purple"
Austin
"If I woulda paid another nickle I coulda got'er painted purple"
Austin
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Richmond USA
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Whacking a starter is just a prolong of replacement.
If it stuck once, is will stick again.
So if you find the bolts loose after one-day of use?????.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
If it stuck once, is will stick again.
So if you find the bolts loose after one-day of use?????.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
I guess I was misunderstood. I meant if you whack it and it works it is time to remove it and replace the starter drive and or clean it or get a new starter if so inclined. My mistake I should be more descriptive 
However if you are stuck somewhere the whacking method is a good idea to get you home
Sparky
>Whacking a starter is just a
>prolong of replacement.
>If it stuck once, is will
>stick again.
>So if you find the bolts
>loose after one-day of use?????.
However if you are stuck somewhere the whacking method is a good idea to get you home Sparky
>Whacking a starter is just a
>prolong of replacement.
>If it stuck once, is will
>stick again.
>So if you find the bolts
>loose after one-day of use?????.
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From: Richmond USA
Starter just spins but engine doesn't turn over....
Sparky, I agree.
I have had to improvise numerous times on the Brute.
I use to rebuild my starters with new brushes, sand armatures,drives, etc.
but with the price of auto parts stores rebuilts beening so low now. I just swap them out.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
I have had to improvise numerous times on the Brute.
I use to rebuild my starters with new brushes, sand armatures,drives, etc.
but with the price of auto parts stores rebuilts beening so low now. I just swap them out.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
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