Starter free spinning?

mpj76 · 05-27-2003, 10:52 AM

Every now and then, my starter will "free spin" when I try to start the car up. It's as if the starter drive gear isn't engaging the flywheel (That's how it works, right?). It will spin for about one second until I let of the key, then it snaps into place, allowing me to start up with no problem. Is my starter going out, or just some other component in that system? I've never had one off, so I have no idea whats involved. Thanks.

ChunkFunky · 05-27-2003, 11:58 AM

Sounds like the starter solenoid going bad... but I've never done one on a FORD, my GM was held in with two bolts.. but the ***** is getting to it.. i dunno if You have to pull the headers to get to the starter in this car or not.. but it's usualy a pain to get to... but taking it out isnt hard... two long bolts and some nuts that hold on the wires... disconnect the battery before you start playing with the wires though
-as

Maroon 5.0 LX · 05-27-2003, 03:42 PM

The "Starter Bendix" (gear assy) is either dirty or worn, causing it to hang up and not engage the flywheel.

You'll probably have to replace the Bendix soon. Although the Bendix is a replaceable item, most people just replace the whole starter assy.

FritzDaKat · 05-27-2003, 07:44 PM

The starter can be found just below the collector joint on your headers on the passenger side bolted up to the bellhousing, one bolt is easy as pie to get to, the upper bolt can be quite the houdini trick. I use a flex head wratchet with a total of about 2' of extensions and another elbow up by the socket, or after the last 3" extension. Shine a good halogen beam up from the underside with the wheel jacked up and you should be able to spot the bolt by looking back from in front of the passenger side strut Good luck, it's not too bad, but I remember the first time I dropped it was a bit of a hassle not knowing the best angle of attack.

05-27-2003, 10:52 AM	#1
mpj76 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 158	Starter free spinning? Every now and then, my starter will "free spin" when I try to start the car up. It's as if the starter drive gear isn't engaging the flywheel (That's how it works, right?). It will spin for about one second until I let of the key, then it snaps into place, allowing me to start up with no problem. Is my starter going out, or just some other component in that system? I've never had one off, so I have no idea whats involved. Thanks.

05-27-2003, 11:58 AM	#2
ChunkFunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 465	Sounds like the starter solenoid going bad... but I've never done one on a FORD, my GM was held in with two bolts.. but the ***** is getting to it.. i dunno if You have to pull the headers to get to the starter in this car or not.. but it's usualy a pain to get to... but taking it out isnt hard... two long bolts and some nuts that hold on the wires... disconnect the battery before you start playing with the wires though -as __________________ '89 GT Convertible: TFS TW Heads, TFS Street Intake, TFS Stage 1 Cam, FMS 1.6 RRs, 24# Injectors, Pro-M 75mm MAF, No Name CAI, 3.73s, O/R H-Pipe, FlowMasters, AOD w/ Trans-Go Shift Kit

05-27-2003, 03:42 PM	#3
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	The "Starter Bendix" (gear assy) is either dirty or worn, causing it to hang up and not engage the flywheel. You'll probably have to replace the Bendix soon. Although the Bendix is a replaceable item, most people just replace the whole starter assy. __________________ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 4.9 Hi-Top Conversion Van '06 Mustang V-6, 5 speed

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05-27-2003, 07:44 PM	#4
FritzDaKat Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Franklin Park IL Posts: 57	The starter can be found just below the collector joint on your headers on the passenger side bolted up to the bellhousing, one bolt is easy as pie to get to, the upper bolt can be quite the houdini trick. I use a flex head wratchet with a total of about 2' of extensions and another elbow up by the socket, or after the last 3" extension. Shine a good halogen beam up from the underside with the wheel jacked up and you should be able to spot the bolt by looking back from in front of the passenger side strut Good luck, it's not too bad, but I remember the first time I dropped it was a bit of a hassle not knowing the best angle of attack.