91 Camry starting problem

I have a 91 Camry 2.0 4cyl. When trying to start, starter sounds like it spins, but does not engage flywheel. New battery, cable, leads. Had starter/solenoid tested at two places and checked out fine. Original factory parts.What could be the problem? If it is the solenoid, should I buy the 1.0 kw or 1.4kw?

just a guess but it sounds like the bendix is not kicking in to catch fly wheel. Try this. Have someone try to start the car and you tap on the starter and see if the bendix kicks in.

I've tried that and can't get it to work. The thing kicks in and out just fine on the tester, that's what confuses me.

Does the bendix kick while it is on the car

I'm not sure. How can I tell?

you should be able to hear the bendix kick in. I had a similar problem on my Ford F-150. bendix was binding up and not letting it kick out lossen the bolts and bump the key to see and the bendix caught. Could be your starter is miss aligned with the hole or something bent. Undo the starter from the car but leave hooked up and turn the key over and watch for the bendix. If it catches then most like it is in a bind when on the car. GREASE GREASE very well.

I'll try it tomorrow. Thanks.

No problem and good luck

I've pulled the starter and it kicks in and out like it should. I inspected the gear on the plunger, which appears to be worn on the face. The gears appear to be intact. Could anything be causing the gear to not mesh with the flywheel or not plunge far enough to even catch the flywheel?

Worst case senerio.... You may have a worn teeth on your Flywheel... I have a '87 with same problem, the teeth on the flywheel are burred off (4 to 5) on the front where the starter enguages.... I plan on welding a few of the worn teeth & reshaping with my Dreminal..... The older Camrys had this problem do to poor enginering..... Pull your starter & rotate the flywheel with a screwdriver & inspect the teeth, use a strong flashlight... If you have this problem a few teeth will have the front part wore off.... Only other solution is to pull tranny & replace the Flywheel... $$$$.... Keep us posted...