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Yesterday, when I went to turn on my '88, I got this really loud, high-pitched sound when I turned my key. I had this problem twice before, but it goes away for a really long time, and I don't think anything of it. But now I am! lol Anways, could that be a bad starter?
Yesterday, when I went to turn on my '88, I got this really loud, high-pitched sound when I turned my key. I had this problem twice before, but it goes away for a really long time, and I don't think anything of it. But now I am! lol Anways, could that be a bad starter?
~Derek
Did the engine crank while this sound was occurring? If not, I'll lay ten to one odds it's your starter drive gear (sometimes called a Bendix) that's not catching. This drive gear uses an overriding clutch that allows it to spin independently of the starter's shaft after the engine starts, so that the running engine isn't able to overrev the starter motor. If the clutch doesn't grab, the starter motor will spin with essentially no resistance, causing the noise you're hearing and a no-crank condition.
If the engine cranks normally while the noise is occurring, then it's probably something to do with the way the starter drive gear is engaging the flywheel, but if it only occurs every once in a while, I doubt it's a shimming issue.
Did the engine crank while this sound was occurring? If not, I'll lay ten to one odds it's your starter drive gear (sometimes called a Bendix) that's not catching. This drive gear uses an overriding clutch that allows it to spin independently of the starter's shaft after the engine starts, so that the running engine isn't able to overrev the starter motor. If the clutch doesn't grab, the starter motor will spin with essentially no resistance, causing the noise you're hearing and a no-crank condition.
If the engine cranks normally while the noise is occurring, then it's probably something to do with the way the starter drive gear is engaging the flywheel, but if it only occurs every once in a while, I doubt it's a shimming issue.
Be well,
SJW
It did not crank at all. How do I check the drive gear? Do I just need to replace the starter? =\
It did not crank at all. How do I check the drive gear? Do I just need to replace the starter? =\
~Derek
If it is the clutch then you'll need to replace the starter. I just had that happen to me and there's no way to get a new clutch setup for that starter, you've got to buy a whole new starter