Powermaster Starter not Engaging Flywheel

[ACHiPo]

Originally Posted by Texasdoc

The 9x03 starters are the correct ones for the 0.75" mounting depth. The 9x04 ones are for those with 3/8" mounting depth.

First, make sure the mounting plate is sitting flush on the engine plate. I've heard that sometimes it gets installed just a bit offset when the starter mounting plate catches an edge on the engine plate.

Also, along the same lines, some starters have a slightly smaller hole in the motor plate. The "automatic" and "manual" labels for the transmission type should be ignored. Count the ring gear teeth, measure the flywheel depth, measure the mounting hole diameter (to the .01") and make sure you have the right part.


If it is flush, remove the starter from the car, clamp it (securely) in your bench vise, and bench test it with 12v. If the starter gear doesn't come out and spin, you have a faulty starter.

Thanks! I'm sure it's spinning--I can hear it. I'll pull it again and bench test it. I figure it's either the Bendix or geometry.

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by ACHiPo

Thanks! I'm sure it's spinning--I can hear it. I'll pull it again and bench test it. Ifigutre it's either theBendix or geometry.

Spinning is only part of the starters function. It must also extend and retract the gear in order to contact the flywheel. You can hear it spin, but it might not be extending into position to engage the flywheel. Pull it and bench test it.