I got off work tonight and went to start my truck. Turned the key and waited for the idiot light to go out. The truck cranked very slowly, and would not fire. I popped the hood and noticed the Negative cable was a little loose. Tightened it and tried to start it again. The engine cranked better but something let loose, and now the starter just spins and does not turn the engine over. I got some help and pull started the truck. When I got home, I shut it off and tried to start it again and the starter just spins. Any thoughts?

 

Starter gear has sheared off? Time for a starter rebuild or a new starter would be my guess.

Good luck with it. Make sure that you keep those battery cables clean and tight.

Cheers!

Mike

 

Sounds like starter removal is needed to diagose the issue.. Gear is gone or there's not enough amp to the starter to engauge it to the flywheel.

Checking your voltage at the starter isn't a bad idea at this point..

 

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking that might be the issue. I will have time to look at it this weekend. I will "steal" the wifes rig until then.

 

Errrrrrrr - perhaps you should just borrow the wifes ride - steal is such a strong word!

Cheers!

Mike

 

If there is not enough battery power to pull the solenoid core in completely and thus engage the pinion gear to the flywheel, would the solenoid contacts be bridged? Would not the pinion gear be pushed most of the way into the flywheel before the starter motor was energised and started to spin?

 

Possibly, I would check the batteries and work my way towards the starter from there. Cables/connections, starter bolts, voltage at starter trip wire and at lead, etc.

Ignition switch?

Then on to pulling starter, (10mm and a bendy arm!) and pull apart to inspect.

Cold in Toronto, eh? I would go to the batteries first....

Congrats on Hockey!!