Wtf???

[dunkyfried]

oK So Im driving today, I stop at a red light and the car dies on me. When I try to start the car I could hear the starter turning over. It was turning over at first (slightly), changing to the engine not spining and the starter just spining away. You see where Im going with this. Is is possible for the teeth on the starter to just go out like that? Any other electrical connections that would cause this?


Thanks

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Is the battery fully charged? If so, what are the voltages? Yes, the drive can go, but I doubt that that's the problem. Pull the oil fill cap on your valve cover and have someone crank it over. Do you see the cams and rockers working?

Is the engine even turning over? If so, do a compression test. Just humor me.

Try a jumper pack or jump start to see if anything changes. If it does, it could be your battery/charging system. If not, then perhaps the starter.

I need some actual voltages though. Do these tests and re post.

Good Luck

 

[dunkyfried]

I gave in and dropped it off at my local mechanic... he's actually honest !! The engine has 2000 miles on a complete rebuild from top to bottom. Its a 7 bolt...yes yes I know but I know plenty of people that have gotten lots of reliable miles out of them without the dredded crankwalk (ghostly sound) I'll see what he comes up with tomorrow and repost. I took it to someone rather than doing the work myself for sheer time. I have business stuff all weekend and a helacious week next week.

Thanks for the fast reply

Ok...so not likely to be the starter... Its an red top optima battery ( 6 mos old ), brand new alternator (when engine redone)... if the dams arent turning what would it be. The stock flywheel was "lightened" by the machine shop doing the engine work. Is it possible for some of the teeth to come off and the starter has nothing to connect to?

 

[ddavisaf]

Car won't start... three things to check first and foremost.
Spark (coil pack, plugs, wires, etc...)
Fuel (injectors, fuel pump, etc...)
Compression (umm... Compression)

 

[dunkyfried]

so it was the timing belt (after 1700 miles) uggg my $2k head is trashed.... Oh well the mechanic that did it will be taking care of it. Thanks for the replies people.

Note to everyone: If you car just dies... dont try to start it back up, tow it home and check it out.

Always use OEM products..... the timing belt wasnt $6k on a built engine,head,and tranny. The fun put on hold by a $60 timing belt.....