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Matt Norris Posted on Jun 20, 2016
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My starter is engaging but it is not hitting the flywheel to let it turn the engine over could that be from a bad flywheel or not haveing the shims in the starter

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David Ellis Rhea

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  • Cars & Trucks Master 3,462 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2016
David Ellis Rhea
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Or......................
First, please list your year, make, model and mileage of the vehicle you are working on.
Now, since we do not know that information, I can give you a generic answer, that may fill the bill for you.
To check for a damaged flywheel, you will be needing to remove the starter from the car and look inside the hole it mounts in to the teeth that are on the flywheel, and do a visual inspection.
You may need to move the flywheel around to it's full 360 degree arc.
If it will not turn freely with a screwdriver, you may need to remove the spark plugs to relieve the compression, making it easier to turn. Another option is to turn the engine over slowly with a ratchet and socket on the front of the crankshaft whilst you examine the flywheel teeth.
It is unusual to have the teeth stripped off the flywheel today.
The most likely answer to your problem is that the "Bendix" or "over-running clutch" on the flywheel end of the starter has failed.
This geared part is the part that engages the flywheel, and it can fail , and sometimes does.
It is replaceable.
Most places that replace them will go ahead and rebuild the starter in the process.
God bless your efforts.

Marvin

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  • Cars & Trucks Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2016
Marvin
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It is likely the starter has a fault in its clearance to the flywheel, this has more than likely damaged the teeth on the flywheel/flexplate. Whatever the starter issue is, if the flywheel has damaged teeth it must be replaced and a new starter installed, use new not rebuilt.

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David Harrelson

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  • Cars & Trucks Master 5,456 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2016
David Harrelson
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Yes and yes, but if you are lucky it could be a bad starter bendix. Remove starter to examine and check flywheel teeth as well.

5 Related Answers

alicantecoli

Colin Stickland

  • 22516 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 27, 2008

SOURCE: starter runs but won't engage flywheel

engine crank thrusts worn and crank moved back enough to not engage ,with a manual the clutch would push it forewards.or the flex plate on the back of the torque converter damaged and broke in teh centre where bolts to the crank

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Anonymous

  • 79 Answers
  • Posted on May 20, 2009

SOURCE: starter runs but won't engage flywheel

Hello, I would make sure that your car is not one of those half year cars becuase two differn't starters may be offered for the same year of car. Also, I would check and see if your battery has enough CCA's to power your system. The only other thing is to turn your crankshaft with a breaker bar to turn your flywheel to possibly get a fresh area of teeth on it. If none of this fails it's as simple as just replacing the flywheel. If you did a bench test on the starter and the bendix engaged that is good. Buying parts from an Auto parts store does not gurantee the part is good and that the bendix engages the full distance to turn the flywheel. I would try to find a mechanic who rebuilds starters to make sure that the bendix is engaging fully. I hope this helps you!

Darran Hatten

  • 236 Answers
  • Posted on May 25, 2009

SOURCE: Starter Hitting Flywheel

It sounds alot like a faulty ignition switch rather than a starter. The starter should never kick before moving to the start position.

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 14, 2009

SOURCE: starters grinding

any model made after the 6 month is the next year model ( look inside your driver side door ) you should have the sticker that has your date on it,and try a 97 starter, it fits and lines up, ( and its a bigger starter )hope that helps you out

fishdoctorfi

Shannon Currie

  • 178 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 19, 2009

SOURCE: Starter doesn't engage with flywheel

Craw under the jeep with a screw driver and turn the flywheel a couple notches.....then try starting. If that worked you have a bad spot on your flywheel and will need another or repeat process till you get money for perm repair.[there may be a dust cover to remove]

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I put a starter on a 95 dodge dakota sport but the starter drive will not engage tne to the flywheel

There probably needs to be shims installed between the starter and the engine block to allow proper spacing for the starter gear to engage the flywheel teeth.
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1965 mustang starter fires but won't engage flywheel. it is a brand new starter

Doesn't matter. The forks inside the starter may be missing or broke off or bad spring in starter that pushes the gear out. Try new started. Starter may have to be shimmed to make contact with flywheel. Starter may be kicking out but not engaging flywheel.
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I have a 2001 camaro v6 my battery went dead and I Haven't Drove it for months. I just bought a new battery and the starter turns but won't Kick over the engine...My name is Jason and you can reach me at...

it sounds to me like its probably your starter bendix. when the starter turns over it springs out and engages with your flywheel and turns over your moter
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WAS HAVEING PROBLEM WITH SARTER BECAUSE MY FLYWHEEL WAS MISSING TEETH JUST PUT IN NEW FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH STILL HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING IT TO START DONT KNOW IF ITS SHIMED WRONG OR IF ITS THE WRONG STARTER...

It may be the starter dive teeth are worn from hitting the flywheel. Replace the starter drive or easier yet just install a rebuilt starter. If there were shims in the old one replace the shims in the proper location or you may need to either leave them out or add more to be sure the starter drive is properly engaging the flywheel.
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After installing a rebuilt starter , when i try to start it , the solenoid clicks very loud 2 times, it will start on the 3rd try . almost think it is hitting the flywheel . have they ever used shims on...

Yes. Most starters come with shims. More than likely that is exactly what you need to do is to shim the starter. More than likely the bendix is hitting the flywheel. Just as you said.
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So I go to start my truck and it will not turn over. . . I have had this problem on and off for years. If I was to roll the truck back and forth sometimes it would start. I have tried starting it in...

Mist likely you have a bad spot on the flywheel.
The Starter GEARS - engage with the FLYWHEEL GEARS and turn the engine until combustion takes over. You have a problem there. GM is well known for this.

Check the starter that it has the correct number of shims - GM uses shims to keep the starter the correct distance away from the flywheel. You might have to take it to a qualified GM mechanic. Not necessarily a factory shop but one who knows GM uses shims and why.
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Installed a rebuilt starter in a Camaro.

Shims, are to space the starter drive gear away from the flywheel. The shim is inserted between the engine block, and the starter. The thicker the shim, the more the starter drive gear is further away from the flywheel.

Starter housings are machined from the factory, where they were made. No two housings come out the same, for the machined pad, where the starter bolts to the engine block.
The difference is minimal, granted, but thousandths of an inch count in this area.

It's generally a trial an error situation. This is why there are shim packs. Packs of shims with varying thicknesses.
Rule of Thumb, is generally that the starter drive gear, is 3/32nd's of an inch away from the flywheel.
If you hear a metallic grinding kind of sound, the starter is too close. A thicker shim is needed.

I suspect your problem is the starter drive itself. Definitely sounds like it from your description.
Granted, when bench testing the starter drive kicks out, but the roller clutch inside the Bendix drive is no good. (Starter drive)
Suggest you take the starter back, and get an exchange.

This rebuilt starter has a bad Bendix drive.
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