My starter will, sometimes, spin without turning over the engine. It may do it once or it may do it 3 times. My question is: do i need to replace the whole starter or can I buy a rebuild kit and replace the plunger and contacts to fix it?

Thanks

 

The plunger and contacts can be replaced. NAPA has them @$20. I got a set from LarryB. Much better product, IMO. www.fostertruck.com/dodge

 

Plunger and contacts won't help that problem. Sounds like the benix is getting gummed up. Take it in somewhere to get rebuilt, or buy a rebuilt one at a parts store. Contacts and plunger will only give you a click, click, click. If the starter is actually spinning, then the bendix isn't engaging.

 

I thought that the plunger pushed the gear into the flywheel.

 

The plunger, if I remember right, is spring-loaded to hold the contacts apart. When you turn the key to start, you energize the solenoid and create a magnetic field which draws the plunger into the solenoid coil, thus making the contacts meet. This why there is a wire leading strait to the battery. If your contacts fail, the starter will either click or it will stay on even when the key is turned back off (as it did in my case). The starter is a snap to remove and I would do everything in my power to get it working myself before I bought a new one. They aren't to hard to rebuild if your handy. Just be sure you disconnect both negative batter cable before you begin work... Good luck

 

If the benix (not familiar with that) is gummed up can I clean it to make it work correctly? You said you would do everything you could to get it working yourself. What all would you do?

 

Take the starter off, completely apart, clean, apply a light amount of lube, and reassemble. Hope it works! Thats why I reccomended a reman. Fairly cheap with the added piece of mind that there is a warranty on it. ******* Also just had another thought. Could be some teeth missing from the fly wheel. Inspect that good while the starter is off.

 

I am hoping it is not the flywheel missing teeth. I will give cleaning it a shot. If it starts to take a while, a remanufactured one will go back in its place.