Starter engaging and turning but it's not turning the crank?

Tiny
FIRREDUP
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA PRELUDE
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
When turning the key on you can hear starter engaging and turning but it's not turning the crank but for sure it's turning the flex plate.
Took off crank pulley to check timing and I turned the crank and it turns the flex plate trying to figure out why I can move crank and flex plate together by hand (ratchet) but the starter will not turn the crank was thinking possible ring gear but doesn't seem to be missing teeth and seems to still be connected to the flex plate.
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Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 AT 9:18 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi,

If the starter is turning the flex plate and the crankshaft isn't turning, either something is disconnected or broken. Can you see the flex plate turning? Could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

I have a feeling the flex plate is broken right where it bolts to the engine. See pic 1

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Read your post, you said you can hear the starter turn when you try to start the car? The starter might turn but does the teeth from the starter move out to engage the flywheel. If the spring in the starter is weak it will turn but not engage.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 4:18 PM

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