Engine not cranking

1961 FORD THUNDERBIRD
58,000 MILES • 6.4L • V8 • 2WD
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JTHOMHALL2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car stopped cranking. It doesn't turn the flywheel nor makes a clicking sound. When you turn the ignition on, you just hear it spin.

I looked at it and found the mounting bolts loosened. I tighten them up and tried again. I tried to crank it again and got the same spinning sound. The starter and drive looks fine and I see no damage to the flywheel.

I didn't know how to check the Bendix on this model starter. Do you have any thoughts on what the problem could be? I'd appreciate any help that I can get.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Nov 28, 2021 at 11:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If the starter spins but doesn't engage with the flywheel, the Bendix is bad. To test it simply requires actuating the starter with it out of the vehicle. The drive gear in the Bendix should kick at the same time it starts spinning.

Remove the starter, carefully place a battery charger positive on the larger terminal on the starter that normally goes to the battery. Place the ground from the charger to the starter housing. Cross the main terminal with the S terminal. That should actuate it.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Nov 28, 2021 at 2:33 PM
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