Starter spinning but not engaging

[DieHarder]

Can you get it up on jacks and remove an inspection port so you can see the ring gear when the starter is turning? Only other thing I can think of is an electrical connection issue where the solenoid isn't getting power to extend the turning gear to engage the ring gear. You should be able to use some jumpers with the starter out of car to test the starter circuit and check if the solenoid is extending as it should. If it is extending, engaging and turning then only other possibility (however unlikely) is the ring gear has separated from the flywheel. Unlikely yes, but not unheard of.

 

[Juice]

Why not just see if the alternator belt is moving while cranking it?

I'm betting it's an intermittent no spark/no start condition. Could be no fuel, but that usually sputters or pops some.

 

[Zach Baumann]

The engine is not turning over. Here is a clip of the front accessory drive during crank

 

[Juice]

The engine is not turning over. Here is a clip of the front accessory drive during crank

Well, I'm at a loss.

 

[Zach Baumann]

I assume that the plate with the dowel you see in the video is the flywheel and now the ring gear is not connected
https://youtube.com/shorts/0K7iDCC7gzc?feature=share

 

[Zach Baumann]

I had someone crank it while I looked in the inspection port and the ring gear spins freely but nothing else. Then I turned the front pulley with a wrench and the flywheel spun

 

[Laga]

I assume that the plate with the dowel you see in the video is the flywheel and now the ring gear is not connected
https://youtube.com/shorts/0K7iDCC7gzc?feature=share

Wow, I have never seen/heard of that. Looks like you have found the problem. There are videos on YouTube on how to heat and remove/replace ring gear. But with it turning like that, you might have to replace flywheel too.

 

[Juice]

Wow, I have never seen/heard of that. Looks like you have found the problem. There are videos on YouTube on how to heat and remove/replace ring gear. But with it turning like that, you might have to replace flywheel too.

Or weld it.
Just make sure you disconnect the battery before welding.

 

[Laga]

Or weld it.
Just make sure you disconnect the battery before welding.

Would that not depend on why the ring gear came loose in the first place? What if it’s cracked? How close to balanced would the final piece have to be?

 

[Juice]

Would that not depend on why the ring gear came loose in the first place? What if it’s cracked? How close to balanced would the final piece have to be?

Good point, I was assuming its press fit. It it was cracked, I would think it would have left the flywheel by now.
3 small welds, spaced 120* apart, and cleaned up w/grinder would not affect balance IMO.

Thats what I would do vs pulling the trans. And I have a welder. lol

 

[Zach Baumann]

I have a welder and the ability to do that. But with the car having 150K on it I would rather use this as an excuse to pull the trans and install a new fly wheel and clutch

 

[Midlife Crises]

I would bet money that ring gear is cracked. I have replaced a few on older vehicles by smacking them with a cold chisel then tapping them off.

 

[DieHarder]

I assume that the plate with the dowel you see in the video is the flywheel and now the ring gear is not connected
https://youtube.com/shorts/0K7iDCC7gzc?feature=share

Yep, the ring gear is a friction fit and yours has worn out. As stated, unlikely/rare event, but not unheard of. Best path as you have stated is to replace the entire setup; flywheel/clutch and throw out.

 

[Zach Baumann]

This has been an intermittent issue for the past 6 months. I can’t figure out why a friction fit ring gear would become loose then tight all the sudden. Anyways I am going to replace the whole clutch flywheel and through bearing assembly when I get the time. Thank you guys for all the help.

 

[Paleface]

This has been an intermittent issue for the past 6 months. I can’t figure out why a friction fit ring gear would become loose then tight all the sudden. Anyways I am going to replace the whole clutch flywheel and through bearing assembly when I get the time. Thank you guys for all the help.

Did you ever figure it out?? New starter or flywheel? Need help asap I’m having the same issue rn

 

[Zach Baumann]

The ring gear came off the flywheel. I went under and with the starter removed I spun the ring gear with a screw driver. New flywheel was my solution.