Starter Spinning?

[development1]

Hi!,

I have a 1993 D21 2wd Ka24E truck and I have noticed that when I try cranking the motor, the starter whines but the car does not start. However, after 4-5 tries the truck starts, I was wondering is it my starter?

[Rev_D21]

Could be that or it could be missing teeth on your flywheel/flexplate. I'd pull the starter to check the teeth.

[development1]

Thanks for your insight. Here are some pictures of my starter and flywheel to help identify the problem.

[Rev_D21]

The pic is foggy but looks like you starter teeth are a bit worn.

[Big-Bird]

This could be the starter solenoid causing your problem. It's unlikely the teeth on the ring gear are at fault.

The way to confirm this is to test the starter on a bench.

Put the starter in a vise and get battery power to it by using booster cables. Put the ground clamp on the body of the starter. and touch the power lead to the main starter connection.

Watch to see if the small starter gear not only spins but that it moves into position with a solid click. The gear should slide if the solenoid is working. If the starter gear spins but does not slide on the shaft into the engagement position, then the solenoid, circled in red, needs to be replaced. The other items in red are done so you know what should be moving.

[development1]

which is positive, and which is negative?

[Rev_D21]

It could be that the arbor is not even engaging the flywheel as BB said above.

[Big-Bird]

which is positive, and which is negative?

Things you need:A set of battery/jumper cables.A screwdriver you won't mind "sacrificing".A vise to hold the starter securely while you test it.safety glasses (some sparks do fly)

Pictures are so worth a 1000 words. Here's a 'typical' Nissan starter.

With the battery cables connected to the starter per the diagram above, using the screwdriver, you will need make a conncetion between the Starter Trigger connection and the positive battery clamp. When you do this watch and see of the starter gear slides into the opening and spins.

If all it does is spin and fails to slide forward, then the solenoid needs to be replaced.

[development1]

Thank you so much for your help, I will test it tomorrow.

[development1]

Can I not just connect the trigger wire by a loose wire by hand, or will I get shocked?

[Big-Bird]

NO. You could get burned if you use a jumper wire.

Use the screwdriver because the handle will insulate you from the battery. Besides, the sparks that fly are usually quite small and it will only leave small surface pitting on the screwdriver.

PS. Since your problem is somewhat intermittent you should do the test connection a few times.