bench test a starter?

[Anonymous]

hey, I was hoping someone could help me out here. My 67 Mustang won't start. When I hit the key it sounds like the starter is spinning but the engine isn't turning over. The battery is fairly new and fully charged. I pulled the starter off and what to check and make sure its engaging like it should, so how can a safely test it so I can see the gear? Thanks.

 

[CoupeBoy]

Some are going to harang me about my safety measures but I'm going to give you my quick and dirty method of testing a starter.

You already have it out.
Put it on the floor.
Turn it upside down so you can see the starter drive.
Use your jumper cables. Hook up to a battery (both positive and negative)
On the starter thread the nut back on the stud and put the cable end positive cable end on it.
Put your foot on the starter.
I keep the battery about 5 feet away with the cables attached.
I normally 'clamp' the negative end onto the drive nose.

It should push the bendex all the way out to the end of the starter drive nose and it should spin. Otherwise take it to a parts store, they will test it for free.

-ron

 

[mach1 mark]

Attach a hot wire to the bolt on the starter (where the hot wire goes, not just anywhere) to the hot side of battery. Then ground starter to car. Hold on tight!! (easy way is to take the wire from the solenoid to the screw on the stater) then ground the starter anywhere) again hold on. I can take photos if you need.

 

[Anonymous]

Some are going to harang me about my safety measures but I'm going to give you my quick and dirty method of testing a starter.

You already have it out.
Put it on the floor.
Turn it upside down so you can see the starter drive.
Use your jumper cables. Hook up to a battery (both positive and negative)
On the starter thread the nut back on the stud and put the cable end positive cable end on it.
Put your foot on the starter.
I keep the battery about 5 feet away with the cables attached.
I normally 'clamp' the negative end onto the drive nose.

It should push the bendex all the way out to the end of the starter drive nose and it should spin. Otherwise take it to a parts store, they will test it for free.

-ron

Yep, like Ron said!

Just keep your fingers away from the starter gear

 

[ludwig]

Yeah, and don't do it in flip-flops, just to be safe.

 

[Bort62]

Putting it in a bench mounted vice is a better idea

 

[The Plankster Prankster]

the vise is a good idea, just don't clamp it too tight
i've done it both ways, and see no problem with holding it in your hands as you do it

 

['61 Draggin Wagon]

Sounds like a bad starter drive....

 

[pedal2themetal45]

I'm with dragon its most likely the starter drive (bendix) .... .. Testing it off the car most likely aint going to help as the drive still shoots out. just that the gearing in the bendix is stripped... and when it ingages into the fly wheel (flex plate) it won't turn the motor is just spins... I'd say just replace it... Most likely sounds like a whering noise...
Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help. Looks like need a new starter for sure. Has anyone bought the mini starters off the classic inlines site? How good are they, hard to install? Do they work with the header (the old one was tough to get past the header)? Thanks

 

[mach1 mark]

Email Mike, and he would be glad to get you the right starter for you application. I know anything he has for sale on his sight is top quality and he stands behind his product. I think I have seen a couple post with some guys with the mini-starters and they are happy. I saw one on eBay for about $20. you just have to change the Bendix (I believe that's what it's called) the gear on the front of the starter that spins the fly-wheel.