[DeTomaso] starter electrical system problem

[Pantdino]

I took out the solenoid and it clicks fine and just once when I apply battery voltage across it, so I'll clean up the contacts and reinstall it.
I'm batcheloring it this weekend, so there's no one to turn the key while I listen closer to the action.  Maybe I'll ask one of my sons to come by once I get the solenoid reinstalled.


Looks like I had Bendix drive and solenoid mixed up in my brain-- thanks for teaching me something.


thanks again (he says sheepishly)

Jim


-----Original Message-----
From: MikeLDrew <MikeLDrew at aol.com>
To: pantdino <pantdino at aol.com>; jeffcobb1 <jeffcobb1 at me.com>; boyd411 <boyd411 at gmail.com>
Cc: detomaso <detomaso at poca.com>
Sent: Sun, Sep 22, 2013 12:01 pm
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] starter electrical system problem



In a message dated 9/22/13 11 29 57, pantdino at aol.com writes:



Ok, for my education:
  
 Two things have to happen when you engage a starter motor:
  
 1) the starter motor gear has to be engaged in the teeth of the flywheel
 2) the starter motor has to turn
  
 AFAIK the starter motor is not engaged all the time with the flywheel.
 So what are you calling the thing that moves the starter motor gear out to engage the flywheel if its not a solenoid?




>>>That's the Bendix drive.   That's what I told you is shot in your starter.

The thing that moves the gear in and out is an inertial, NOT an electrical device.   When the starter motor starts spinning, inertia propels the gear out to engage the ring gear on the flywheel.   When the engine starts, the flywheel basically ejects the starter gear back into the starter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendix_drive

What is happening with your starter (I'm guessing from 400 miles away) is that the Bendix drive has crapped out.   You turn the key, your perfect solenoid does its job perfectly, sends power down to the starter, which starts spinning merrily.   The Bendix drive does nothing because it's done broke, and the gear just spins around and around, making the sound you're hearing.

While it's possible to have a starter rebuilt and repaired, when you consider the low cost and higher starting torque of a modern aftermarket starter (complete with built-in solenoid), and the lower weight, and the MUCH easier servicing (you'll have to remove the header to get a stock starter out, I would imagine, while the small ones are much easier to get in and out), it makes no sense to do anything but replace it.

That is, assuming my long-distance diagnosis is correct.   It is incredibly easy to determine it in person.   Have somebody turn the key while you have your head near the starter (you can see it from above climbing into the trunk).   If the solenoid closes and the starter makes noise, the problem is not the solenoid.   If there is nothing coming from the starter and tortured sounds from the firewall, then the problem is the solenoid.

Cheers!

Mike