How does the pinion gear work on a starter motor?
A starter motor’s pinion gear is not constantly engaging the ring gear on the flywheel. Instead, the starter pushes the smaller gear out to engage with the flywheel with a part called the Bendix, which is not much more than a big electromagnet.
Why is my starter not engaging the flywheel?
Tighten the mounting bolts and other connecting wires. If the mounting bolt is loose, the starter drive will not engage the flywheel properly. It will make a grinding noise when you try to fire up your engine. What this means is that the pinion gear on the starter is clashing with the ring gear on the flywheel. Check the pinion gear.
Why is proper alignment of starter gear important?
“The idea of proper clearances when setting up your starter pinion in relation to your flywheel or flexplate ring gear will help to ensure a long life for the gear set, as well.
What to look for when your car starter won’t engage?
The starter pinion gears engage it to start the engine. What you should be looking for in a faulty flywheel are worn or damaged gears. While the car is on neutral, rotate the crankshaft using a ratchet. As you move it, watch the behavior of the flywheel.
Tighten the mounting bolts and other connecting wires. If the mounting bolt is loose, the starter drive will not engage the flywheel properly. It will make a grinding noise when you try to fire up your engine. What this means is that the pinion gear on the starter is clashing with the ring gear on the flywheel. Check the pinion gear.
“The idea of proper clearances when setting up your starter pinion in relation to your flywheel or flexplate ring gear will help to ensure a long life for the gear set, as well.
The starter pinion gears engage it to start the engine. What you should be looking for in a faulty flywheel are worn or damaged gears. While the car is on neutral, rotate the crankshaft using a ratchet. As you move it, watch the behavior of the flywheel.
What happens if your starter gears are too close?
If the distance between the two centerlines is too close the surfaces of the gears will have a ton of pressure against each other, creating lots of extra friction and noise. Over time this will cause severe wear on the gears.