Starter will not stop spinning

RANDY DYESS

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
4.6L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Inserted key to start engine. All I got was a winding noise.
took the starter to Advanced auto, they found the seleniod was bad.
put a a new used rebuilt starter would not stop cranking. Checked my connections to see if I had wires touching, all good.
Took new starter back to Advanced auto machine said stater was good.
re installed and I got the winding noise again.
Any thoughts?
Thank you, Randy Dyess

1 Reply

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

First of all, you had better check that the teeth on the flywheel/flexplate are not all chewed up and make sure you check the entire circumference, so you will have to turn the engine and flywheel/flexplate over at least one full turn in order to check all of the teeth. You may have to shim your starter. It sounds like the gear teeth might be sticking together because the mesh is too tight and that is why the starter does not stop spinning. Also, if there are any worn teeth that may be the spot if it ever stops right there, that the starter just makes a whining noise and will not catch.
You need end up needing a new flywheel/flexplate and properly shim the starter when done.
Below is how to shim a GM starter.

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