91 starter problems

[soccerman58]

Hi
I am not sure if the starter is gone or something else. When I turn the key I hear a whining/groaning/whirring type noise and when I let it off I hear a clunk (mechanical sounding, not electrical).
I put a meter on the terminal on the starter and measured about 7 volts, even when the key is not turned to "start-up" position. If I get someone to turn the key, the voltage to the terminal does not change, so it's possible that it isn't the starter but some relay or switch upstream. But why the heck is 6-7 volts present at all times???
Getting the starter out looks to be a beehatch...almost looks as it you have to get the intake manifold off to get at it...is that so?

I thought to test the starter in place I could get a battery, ground the Ground on the block somewhere and just jab the + terminal to the input on the starter. I figure this should either turn the engine over or spin the starter even if the teeth are not engaging. Dangerous???
Also, is there any way to tell whether I have the Direct Drive starter or the Gear reduction starter without getting it out? I notice on mine there is only one 12-volt terminal on the side and looking at some Beck Arnley pictures this might be enough to peg this as a Gear reduction type, but it might prove nothibng at all
Thanks Heaps
Phil

[tubjub]

6-7 v at the starter ? try a battery dude .... jack the car up in the air and do it from below ... but you have to have someone above with 14mm ? ( i think ) and long extensions to remove starter bolts and 2 wires.... more than likely gear reduction type

[terock]

ensure your batry as at lease 12volt and 550 cranking Amps,
if the batry as 12 volt or idealy 13.5 the starter shud make the motor turn if not check the relay and newtral shitch
if you need a diagram email me i have it
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