Starter isnt Catching!

[UpRise_5.0]

Well I found out why my car wasnt starting (clutch saftey sensor) but now when I go to start it, you can hear the starter spinning yet, it's not catching the flywheel.

I installed a McCleod/FMS scattershield bellhousing.

The only thing I did was give the starter a few good wacks with a hammer, could this have loosed it or wrecked anything?

Also I started the car before with the blockplate on, the clutch,and the flywheel (but no tranny or bellhousing), and the starter caught.

So any idea what to do?

Thanks again

 

[UpRise_5.0]

Should I just uninstall the starter and put it back in?

 

[BlackGT89]

Your starter might have gotten loose enough to not contact the flywheel, but you probably would have been hearing grinding noises for a while if that were the case. If there is any doubt about the condition of the flywheel (or flexplate if it's an auto) take the starter off and have a friend turn the engine by hand for at least a full revolution and make sure there are no missing teeth. Might want to take the starter to a parts store and get it tested while it off too (it's usually free).

 

[UpRise_5.0]

No the flywheel and Starter are in good shape, I acutally started it before as said above and worked fine.

And yes I can hear the starter grinding/spinning but its not catching? Anyone!

 

[87'GTstang]

Your starter might have gotten loose enough to not contact the flywheel, but you probably would have been hearing grinding noises for a while if that were the case. If there is any doubt about the condition of the flywheel (or flexplate if it's an auto) take the starter off and have a friend turn the engine by hand for at least a full revolution and make sure there are no missing teeth. Might want to take the starter to a parts store and get it tested while it off too (it's usually free).

The test is so simple you'll kick yourself in the ass for it. Take jumper cables and connect it to a battery that's live, (or use a charger of adequate power output, but preferrably the battery) and connect the power to the power input terminal on the starter and the ground somewhere on the base of the starter. Then take a lead (like a screwdriver) and contact the starter lead (the terminal that comes off of the starter relay) and make a solid contact by swinging it over and touching the power terminal with the positive cable attached. If she spins on up (they have a great kick by the way), then it works.