New starter new positive battery cable will not start?

2000 CHEVROLET S-10
190,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MICHELE FERGUSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Put a new starter and positive battery cable in. Installed a new battery last May. When we put a new starter in it worked for about 10 starts and now it won't start. So, we took the starter to Oreilly's, and had it tested, and they said it's good, but it still won't start. My friend said she thinks solenoid isn't engaging but she isn't sure.
Dec 6, 2022 at 1:47 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Do you hear a click from the starter when trying to start the engine? Have you checked the battery to make sure it isn't weak?

Do me a favor. Try this test and let me know the results:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Also, if possible, could you record what it is doing and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 7, 2022 at 9:31 AM
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MICHELE FERGUSON
  • MEMBER
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Thank you for replying. You are appreciated. Okay, so to answer your questions it doesn't sound like clicks and yes, the battery was tested at 12.4. It's not grinding it's more like a whirling if that makes since.
Video (Click to enlarge)
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Dec 12, 2022 at 1:56 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Michelle,

First, the starter appears to be loose. Have you confirmed it is tight? Next, if the starter is tight, then the new starter isn't good. There is a Bendix solenoid in the starter that is to kick a drive gear outward to engage with the flywheel. That doesn't appear to be happening unless the starter is that loose enough to prevent it from reaching the flywheel.

Watch your video. See if you feel it appears to be moving when you engage the starter. It could be my imagination.

When you installed the new starter, did it go together easily?

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 13, 2022 at 11:05 AM
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