starter runs - pinion doesnt engage - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longstep70 · 09-27-2009, 07:58 PM

So I have a brand new starter and when hooked up the starter runs and I see the pinion turn but it doesnt move out to engage the flexplate.
Presumably its a bad starter?
I presume I have it hooked up correctly or it wouldnt run would it?

-Andy

**bwood** · 09-27-2009, 09:31 PM

Hows the battery and connections?

Longstep70 · 09-27-2009, 09:49 PM

Good, I think. The battery is new and the cables look good. I had tried the old starter with a remote starter switch (my ignition switch is bad) and it turned ove and started just fine so I have no reason to suspect a bad battery.

cparman · 09-28-2009, 06:31 PM

I will assume that you bought a reman starter? It has a bad starter drive. If I understand what you said, the new starter will spin, but not crank over the truck. When you go back to where ever you bought it, they might test it, and hear the starter motor run, and tell you that you have another problem. BS, tell them that yes, when you turn the key, you hear the starter run, but that the starter drive does not engage the flywheel. BITD ( back in the day ) we used to remove the starter, and just replace the bad starter drive. I would not do that on a bet today

Longstep70 · 10-01-2009, 11:48 AM

Thanks. Its supposed to be new as far as I can see. You're right - it spins but the pinion doesnt extend to engage the flexplate.
I'm going to return it as soon as possible.

-Andy

cdowns · 10-01-2009, 07:29 PM

try spraying it with wd40 and manually pull the pinion out then try it again with electricity

*72lb4x4* · 10-01-2009, 09:25 PM

You might loosen and wiggle the solenoid to align it better. It could be binding. Might even have room to do it w/o removing the starter.

09-27-2009, 07:58 PM	#1
Longstep70 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Jose , Ca Posts: 235	starter runs - pinion doesnt engage So I have a brand new starter and when hooked up the starter runs and I see the pinion turn but it doesnt move out to engage the flexplate. Presumably its a bad starter? I presume I have it hooked up correctly or it wouldnt run would it? -Andy Last edited by Longstep70; 09-27-2009 at 07:59 PM. Reason: spelling

09-27-2009, 09:31 PM	#2
bwood Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denison, Texas Posts: 1,919	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage Hows the battery and connections? __________________ 1998 GMC Sierra SLE 1/2 ton 2WD 305 Vortec -Gibson Stainless Cat Back Swept Side -SS Wheels 2005 Honda CRF250R 2006 Honda CRF150F

09-27-2009, 09:49 PM	#3
Longstep70 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Jose , Ca Posts: 235	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage Good, I think. The battery is new and the cables look good. I had tried the old starter with a remote starter switch (my ignition switch is bad) and it turned ove and started just fine so I have no reason to suspect a bad battery.

09-28-2009, 06:31 PM	#4
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage I will assume that you bought a reman starter? It has a bad starter drive. If I understand what you said, the new starter will spin, but not crank over the truck. When you go back to where ever you bought it, they might test it, and hear the starter motor run, and tell you that you have another problem. BS, tell them that yes, when you turn the key, you hear the starter run, but that the starter drive does not engage the flywheel. BITD ( back in the day ) we used to remove the starter, and just replace the bad starter drive. I would not do that on a bet today

10-01-2009, 11:48 AM	#5
Longstep70 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Jose , Ca Posts: 235	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage Thanks. Its supposed to be new as far as I can see. You're right - it spins but the pinion doesnt extend to engage the flexplate. I'm going to return it as soon as possible. -Andy

10-01-2009, 07:29 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage try spraying it with wd40 and manually pull the pinion out then try it again with electricity __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-01-2009, 09:25 PM	#7
72lb4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 1,427	Re: starter runs - pinion doesnt engage You might loosen and wiggle the solenoid to align it better. It could be binding. Might even have room to do it w/o removing the starter.



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