1986 Oldsmobile 88 What's wrong?

Tiny
DOOLA_G
  • MEMBER
  • 1986 OLDSMOBILE 88
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 89,000 MILES
I'd pulled off in my car the other morning. When I got around the corner I pressed on the gas but my car wouldn't pull any more. I pulled over, turned my car off, and it hasn't came back on since. I haven't had any problems with my transmission. If I turn my ignition to try to crank the car, the only thing I hear is my starter. The engine doesn't turn and neither does the belt.
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 AT 8:43 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'm confused. The starter cranks but the belt doesn't turn or the engine? Is the starter spinning really fast as if it isn't engaged with the engine?
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
DOOLA_G
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, when I turn the ignition, the ONLY thing that I hear is the starter.
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If you hear the starter, but the crankshaft isn't turning the belt, then the starter isn't engaged with the flywheel or the teeth are off the flywheel. There is an inspection plate between the engine and transmission. Remove it to check the teeth on the flywheel. If they are good, remove the starter and have it bench tested at a parts store to see if the solenoid is kicking the gear out to engage with the flywheel.

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

Joe
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 10:20 PM
Tiny
DOOLA_G
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks alot, I'll let you know
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I look forward to hearing what is causing this. You also can just remove the starter to see if there is a problem there and have it bench tested.
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 12:46 PM

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