Starter won't engage flywheel?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 24, 2006 | 08:12 PM

firezone42

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Starter won't engage flywheel?

Hey all.

The problem is this: When I turn the key, the starter whines, exactly like it isn't engaging the flywheel. I am going on a date with my GF tonight and this is quite dissapointing, lol. I need some ideas, quickly please if you can.

The truck is a 1971 F250 Camper Special, restored.
Engine is a V8 Built 390.

That is all I know really, I am only 17 and this was a gift from my father.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it.

-Nate

Mar 24, 2006 | 08:38 PM

daves54

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 656

Likes: 0

From: Westford,Ma

if the starter is not engaging some times a wack with the handle of a screw driver or lightly with a hammer will get it unstuck. if not your sol on the date!

Mar 24, 2006 | 08:39 PM

Hypoid

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 2,574

Likes: 4

From: Golden, CO

The starter may be loose, but it's more likely a bad starter drive. If you have a spare starter, crawl down and have a look. Unit replacement is the quick fix.

Good luck, Mike

Mar 24, 2006 | 08:50 PM

amish77

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,148

Likes: 0

From: Seneca, SC

yeah, unless you have a clutch, then you could roll start it

Mar 24, 2006 | 09:24 PM

bertha66

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 8,062

Likes: 35

From: Central Oregon

Sounds like the starter drive, I'd replace the starter, if the drive is bad the motor may not be long for this world and if you got it off the whole thing out, you should replace it.

Apr 3, 2006 | 09:32 PM

bigdan1979f-250

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 506

Likes: 0

From: mid-MO

It sounds like a bad starter, however there is the remote possibility that it needs to be shimmed out.???

Apr 4, 2006 | 11:21 AM

amish77

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,148

Likes: 0

From: Seneca, SC

nah if it's spinning then the starter motor is fine, if it won't turn over it may be a bad starter. The bendix is the part that allows the starter to engage and disengage. This is the more likely suspect, and although you can kill two birds with one stone and replace the whole thing, its cheaper to just replace the bendix. I harldy think it matters to the poster any more though.