wont start, sounds like starter is free spinning

[Brownpsu78]

2001 ford explorer 170k miles
when I turn over the engine it sounds like the starter is spinning freely and not engaging the engine to turnover
battery seems good, I trickle charged it all day.
ideas?

 

[Brownpsu78]

there is no clicking noise

 

[Brownpsu78]

no grinding or anything, sounds like an electric wheel is freely spinning

 

[FIND]

Well, take your starter off and test it. It probably has a bad bendix.

 

[Brownpsu78]

I checked all the fuses they look good
and I can hear the fuel pump engage when the car is turned to start..

next step is to check out the starter

 

[Brownpsu78]

FIND,

after watching bendex videos that is the sound I am hearing.
so im thinking either starter solenoid is not engaging it to the flywheel and allowing it to free spin, or bad bendex alignment?

 

[Brownpsu78]

Shop say it could be the starter or a flat spot on the flywheel?

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Pull the starer. and test it, BEFORE you go ahead and replace the fly wheel. A lot of times the one way clutch goes bad, and you can replace that your self for really cheap. I'm talking $10, over a new starter cost. don't be afraid of the starter, it is simple, just don't lose parts, and know how it goes back together, and you will be fine. knowing what type of starter is also helpful.

There are 3 kinds that Ford uses.

-Movable pole shoe, (No solenoid, also this is the older style)
-Conventional (With electromagnets, and a solenoid, This bad boy is heavy, and rather large)
-Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction (Small, with solenoid, lots of small parts, BE CAREFUL, DON'T LOSE ANY!)

I feel stupid for not knowing what type of started my Explorer has, but here are the options.

*** After looking at pictures, it seems to be a Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction drive model. it looks to be pretty basic. it could possible be a one way clutch has gone out, Has it been doing this off and on for some time now? it could also be the solenoid.

 

[FIND]

Yes, the flywheel could be missing teeth. Take the starter off and have it tested first though. You can visually inspect the flywheel.

 

[Karpiel73]

Yes, the flywheel could be missing teeth. Take the starter off and have it tested first though. You can visually inspect the flywheel.

My starter crapped itself in early 2009, had it rebuilt for $45 or $50 and it's still in working order today

 

[Brownpsu78]

Bendex broke, got it replaced and working
Thank you all!
I love my exporter 170k and strong

 

[FIND]

Good to hear. Keep taking care of that Explorer so it will keep taking care of you.