Starter Spin
brainyass
02-14-2006, 09:13 AM
This morning when I went to crank my 1993 Cherokee "Country" 180K miles, all I heard was a spinning sound coming from the starter. It did it a couple of times until it engaged. That was a couple of days ago and I haven't had any problems since. Do you think the starter is going bad or is it just a fluke?
JDPascal
02-14-2006, 02:28 PM
If the starter is spinning, that means the solenoid is making the main electrical contact but the drive gear (bendix) is not turning the flywheel. it operates on a oneway clutch inside the large collar behind the gear.
If all other parts of the starter are in reasonable shape, you should be able to change the gear/drive on the end of the armature shaft and all will be good.
There are a lot of starters replaced when all that is wrong is this drive gone bad. While you are at it, check the brushes too.
Many auto parts stores sell kits with the drive, brushes and bushings to rebuild your own starters.
If this drive goes like this too long, there is a good chance the ring gear will develope flat spots in the two or three places that the engine comes to rest in when you shut it off and then restart from.
JD
If all other parts of the starter are in reasonable shape, you should be able to change the gear/drive on the end of the armature shaft and all will be good.
There are a lot of starters replaced when all that is wrong is this drive gone bad. While you are at it, check the brushes too.
Many auto parts stores sell kits with the drive, brushes and bushings to rebuild your own starters.
If this drive goes like this too long, there is a good chance the ring gear will develope flat spots in the two or three places that the engine comes to rest in when you shut it off and then restart from.
JD
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