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Starter does not engage

Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 170,000 MILES
So, I just got done replacing my transmission on the vehicle listed above and when I go and try to start the car the starter doesn’t engage the fly wheel it only spins. Checked the battery, and it has 12.2 bolts which is pretty low, so I tried jump starting it with jumper cables but no luck. It still the same the starter just spins but doesn’t engage the fly wheel. I also took the starter to get tested at an auto parts store and they said it was good, but I have a feeling that they just seen the starter spin but not jump out like it supposed to and just said it was good. Not sure though. I may have to go back and confirm that it does stick out but if it does, I’m not sure what it could be now. Also, by the way, the starter is only like 3 years old and battery maybe like 2 years old, but it went low because car was sitting for a while.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 7:39 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
I also did inspect the fly wheel teeth and it is good not broken.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

There could be couple of reasons. It is possible that the starter is spinning but the shaft it not extending to meet the flywheel. Another possibility is that the starter is doing what it supposed to, but it is unable to 'reach' the flywheel. Many times, on these vehicles you will have to use shims on the starter for it to make connection to the flywheel.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

You can simply apply 12V to the starter and see if it is extending.

Let me know what you find.
Thank you.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,489 POSTS
Hi,

You can remove the starter and check it using jumper cables. Place the ground on a metal portion of the starter housing such as where the bolts go through to attach it.

Carefully place the positive on the larger bolt on the solenoid. Once both are attached, use a screwdriver or jumper between the positive and the smaller connector on the starter. That will energize the starter and the Bendix should kick the gear out and it should spin.

Note: Be careful not to short the jumper wires.

If it does, the starter is good. If the flywheel is good, something is causing too much clearance. Make sure the starter is fully seated. If there are shims being used, remove them to eliminate space.

I don't know if you need them, but here is a link that explains, in general, the procedure for replacement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
Okay. So, I checked the starter by using jumper cables and it is good it pops out and spins with no problem and my car doesn’t have any shims so now I’m not sure what to do.
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
I found the problem. One of the bell housings bolts where the starter bolts up is broken, I didn’t really think much of it because when it tightened the other bolt the starter felt sturdy and didn’t move but when I had someone turn the key to crank the car, I could see the starter move to the side. So what I did was stick a screwdriver to prevent the starter from moving sideways and cranked it again and the car started right up, I guess the transmission I got from the junk yard was not in the best shape because it also shifting hard when I put it into drive but I am going to switch out the solenoid with my old one see if that helps it.
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,489 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to hear you found the cause. The starter must have been moving enough to prevent it from making contact with the flywheel.

As far as the broken bolt, are you able to get it removed to properly repair it?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
The actual bolt is not broken it’s the casing where the bolt goes on to hold the starter. The only real fix is maybe welding some type of bracket to have the starter secured or another transmission because the bell housing on these transmissions are not removable. They are built into the whole transmission, but what I did was take a small bolt and jam it between the starter and casing of the transmission and that prevents the starter from moving. At least for now it hasn’t done it again so I’m hoping that bolt stays there.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,489 POSTS
Hi,

I understand. That is a tough fix because it is aluminum. I believe it would need tig welded. However, you will need to find a part to even weld onto it. Hopefully, your repair will last. If it doesn't, let me know and we'll figure out a way to fix it.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 7:53 PM

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