Trying to turn over, but she just doesn't go.

NTobler · 06-07-2009

I almost have my car back up and running again! Minus the fact that I can't start my car for a good 10 minutes because I think my starter is on its way out. It tries to turn over, but it keeps spinning, and then finally one time it'll go and fire up. What I hear is what I think is the starter to be spinning and missing the flywheel. Because every once in a while it engages and almost turns over. Finally she will turn over after trying for 10 minutes. Is this a starter problem?

Pushit2.0 · 06-07-2009

What did you change from the last time it ran?

NTobler · 06-07-2009

The clutch...

Pushit2.0 · 06-07-2009

Battery voltage, ground cable for the starter, is the spacer plate between the engine/tranny, are the starter bolts tight, starter trigger wire issues, did you change anything with the flywheel, did the starter have any issues before the clutch job?

~John

**asshanson** · 06-09-2009

Mine did this after sitting for 2 months. It would spin fast in place instead of going out to grab the flywheel. Just replace it.

Gravy · 06-09-2009

Go down there, check all the connections, if they are tight, try it once more than replace. When you install the new one try to clean up some of the bolts or mounting spots. I've always though that could be a problem these cars go though starters so quickly. But i have no proof, just looking at a few starters that have come off. I know in the shop we worked on there were a few vehicles that came in(non DSM's) that would have intermittent starting issues that would get fixed after cleaning up the starter surface.

**Halon** · 06-09-2009

Replace it. You could borrow mine for a day if you wanted to just see if a known good one fixes the issue before spending the money on a new one.

NTobler · 06-16-2009

Ok, tried a brand spanking new starter and it didn't fix the problem it did the same thing. All you hear is the starter spinning. I dropped the tranny again thinking it was the flywheel that I may have not installed correctly, but that wasn't the case. Yes it is 100% sure its an AWD flywheel. The thing thats got me going is the fact that this is a brand spanking new flywheel and it has burn marks/ heat spots all around it and I've only driven it for 30 miles. I don't get why this is such a problem, does anyone else have any ideas?

NTobler · 06-16-2009

haha no one seems to have an answer(I guess I haven't given this site a chance to reply yet, but every other forum I've posted on has no idea)...I don't get it!!!

stickyphoenix · 06-16-2009

make sure you got spark and fuel fella. i just fixed this problem. i had no spark.

Gravy · 06-16-2009

I think the best question is.... is the starter ACTUALLY contacting the flywheel? If it is, than you have to start looking at fuel/ignition. If it's not and just spinning i bet it's a weak line between the starter and battery. However i'd have to see/hear the problem to start giving any ideas. Try pulling the fuel line on the filter, and either before, or well after test to make sure you've got spark. Just make sure the gas is gone, had someone want to try that yesterday with gas fumes everywhere in the engine bay.

NTobler · 06-16-2009

Tested the positive wire, it's good that isn't the problem. What the best way on going about testing for fuel/spark. I brand new to the game man, please keep bashing down if this is a stupid question lol. Thanks for the help guys

Nick Larson

**asshanson** · 06-16-2009

Check to see if your cam gears are moving, should be easy to see if it's actually cranking the engine or not.
If so, take spark plugs/wires out and crank the motor and see if they are sparking.

Gravy · 06-16-2009

HOWEVER!!! Do not let the spark get you. Put a screwdriver into the wire and ground it to something and have someone crank it over while you watch. Do NOT touch any of the grounds or the wire. I don't believe our cars have enough umph to kill you, but it will hurt like hell.

For fuel by cracking the banjo bolt on the fuel filter you can test presure there. Can try cranking the car but you'll make a horrible mess when you do if it's working. But there can still be residual fuel in the line and it's not he best way to test the system. But one of the easier, can rule out clogged fuel filter or pump at once. If you get no fuel, you can test back by the pump by removing the line coming from the pump and if you still get no fuel... you know it's pump related. Fuse, relay, ecu, pump it's self. Makes the search shorter, but not always easier.

Compresion test will also let you know if you've got a broken timing belt as well, but taking the top cam gear cover off will show you if it's the culprate or not. Should be half a dozen bolts to remove and easy to get on/off. Shouldn't have to replace anything by doing that either. If you crank it, and the cam gears don't spin, you could have a broken timing belt, but that should be easy to see right away, should be bound up or no belt visual on the cam gears right away.

Lots of little tests to preform, but the general rule of thumb, you need one of three things to start a car. Fuel, Spark and Compresion. Figure out which you don't have, and fix it, and the car runs.

**asshanson** · 06-16-2009

Meh, I've just held the boot part carefully and rest the spark plug on the VC. Seems to do the trick as long as you have a second person cranking.

Gravy · 06-16-2009

I would be careful, guy that stopped by work had a buddies of his heart stop beating from getting a shock from an 02 Silverado when the spark jumped and hit him in the hand. Ambulance was able to get it started again, but i don't feel like having to hear about anyone getting hurt.

**asshanson** · 06-16-2009

^ Wow, guess I'll be more careful from now on.

NTobler · 06-16-2009

checked fuel and spark....both are good...

Gravy · 06-16-2009

Time for compression, did you remove the timing belt cover to see if the cams are spinning? If they are than i would do a compression test, someone on here should have one you can borrow, i have one but i can never find the damn thing. From me leaving it at either the garage or pole barn in between lending it to Febo, i almost never know where it is till i randomly run into it.

Did you check the pressure when turning the car over? You should get TONS of fuel coming out when you crank it over. There will almost always be some residual fuel in the line. I've had trouble explaining that to TONS of people in the past, just cause gas is there doesn't mean the fuel pump is ok. It should spray all over the place just like a kid does when you go to change them. Should get gas on the fire wall, all the hoses, and even for a quick crank should get a damn nice puddle on the ground.

Beyond that... I wouldn't know exactly where to go till those questions are answered.

So to re-cap:
1.) Tons of fuel coming out?
2.) Spark on all 4 plug wires?
3.) Timing gear spinning when you crank it over?
4.) If you have a plug out, and crank it over, does it push air out of the spark plug hole? Good thing to test while checking spark as well. Lets you know the piston is at least moving up and down.

Another thing i thought of, how far can the timing jump on these cars before contacting the pistons? I think if it goes far enough to prevent the car from starting the damage to the valve train is already done.

mukapahnpy · 06-22-2009

I'd recommend following Gravy's Compression check if you've checked and rechecked all connections, spark, and fuel troobleshooting tips. How was the car/engine before you changed the flywheel?