Starter Motor Whines but no crank?

[FunWithMy911]

When I turn the ignition on the starter motor sounds like its going, like a wheering sound, but engine is not being cranked over, standing voltage is a healthy 12.5 V, what do I check next?

[Rot 911]

sounds like the starter is sticking or the solenoid is no longer working. Get under the car and find the solenoid on the starter. Give a whack on the side of the starter with a hammer and see if that unsticks it.

[FunWithMy911]

Nup, didn't work, any other thoughts?

[Rot 911]

If you are sure the starter is spinning, but not engaging, time for a new solenoid.

[scottb]

What kind of voltage do you get with a load on the battery? Can you attach a voltmeter on long cables and see what kind of reading you get while cranking the engine?

[filou]

did you do a load test on the battery ???
Start with basics then move on to next step. Next will be the starter itself: if you jump directly juice to starter, do you get same result ???
Truly, filou.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Kurt V
If you are sure the starter is spinning, but not engaging, time for a new solenoid.

that sol is a tight clearance fit.. I guess if your going in to clean you might as well get a new one. Contacts do get dirty over time. I'd check the linkage as long as your going in there.

[FunWithMy911]

Thought I'd fill you in on the cause - Simply a poor connection, had enough grunt for solenoid but nothing else.

Thanks for all your suggestions.