HELP! Starter not engaging flywheel

[Por_sha911]

HELP!
I had the motor out to replace a head stud. While out I had the shop put in a rear main seal and resurface the flywheel. They also had the transmission there to put in a new seal and guide tube. I picked up the motor and trans up (separated), put a new Sachs spring center clutch/Press plate/ TO bearing/ G50 release fork upgrade... I also sprayed the trans (with the starter attached) down with Cirtrus cleaner and hosed it down about a day before re-installation. We made sure the release fork engaged and the clutch worked but when I tried to start the car the starter just spun like it wasn't engaging the flywheel. Its never done that before. I know the flywheel has the ring gear on it. The trans was mated up to the motor (it took a little effort but it seemed to fit right up where it is supposed to) and then torqued to spec. The start was never taken off the transmission. I don't know if they removed the ring gear at the machine shop where the flywheel was resurfanced. There is no drag, grinding, and the motor didn't turn one bit when the starter spun.
What can I check without dropping the motor again?
Would having a transmission in the back of a pickup being taken to and from the mechanic cause it to go bad?
Is it possible that the ring gear is on backwards?
Is this just incredibly weird timing for my starter bendix spring to go bad?

[buttjoint]

Sounds like someone forgot to put the ring gear back on the flywheel. The teeth you see in the bell houseing are for the ref sensor

[Gearbox]

Sounds like the soleniod is not engaging the starter gear. May have something to do with hosing it down. The soleniod (the smaller cylindrical unit piggy backed on the starter motor) plunges the starter gear torwards the flywheel so it engaes when the starter motor is spinning. Check and clean your connections first. If it still doesn't engage, try tapping it with a hammer a few times. Yeah, I know, not very high tech, but is effective. If this still doesn't work, remove the starter and bench test the unit to see if the soleniod is engaging (you can also confirm that the ring gear is on, but you do not need to remove the ring gear to resurface the flywheel). It should immediately shoot out once power is applied. Depending how mechanically comfortable you are, you can dissassemble the soleniod and check to see if there are any broken or worn connections. Not a very complicated device, If all else fails, have the starter rebuilt. But I suspect it's only some rust or debri holding it back. Good luck.

[Nashville84Cab]

Possibly a reference sensor problem. Is your reference sensor working and do you have the correct gapping? Or did you accidentally swap the speed sensor and ref sensor?

[slodave]

Flywheel = ref sensor teeth
Pressure Plate = starter ring gear.



Hope this helps.

Dave

[slodave]

You might be able to check from directly underneath the bell housing. There is a hole so stuff can fall out.

The notch at the bottom.


Dave

[Nashville84Cab]

I remember my reference sensor having a notch or single tooth like the one on the attached pic, but I could be wrong.

[jevvy]

sounds like missing ring gear to me and yes you should be able to see it through the small notch underneath, if you cant its missing.

Good luck sorting it out.

[randywebb]

BTW - are the bolts (i.e. "Allen headed cap screws") that hold on the ring gear anything special?

or just common strength?

[Rot 911]

I agree on the missing ring gear. The new pressure plate doesn't come with one. You have to use the old one. Don't feel bad I did the same thing on my 3.2 engine when I rebuilt it. On the plus side you will get good at pulling and reinstalling your engine. If you want a good laugh I can do a search and find the thread.

[Por_sha911]

Well DUH!
Guess who forgot to take the ring gear off the old pressure plate?
Thanks to all for your input.
slodave: you are the man. That picture immediately showed me what I did wrong.
Oh well, I'm getting really good at doing an engine drop.

[slodave]

You are welcome. I will get the omega clip in the mail tomorrow. BTW, The second time my engine went back in the car, I too, forgot the starter ring. I just realized it as I was torquing the PP bolts down, then noticed the ring sitting on top of the engine.

Nashville84Cab: You are right, It had been a long day and I had a few beers in me. But hey, the speed sensor is still referencing the teeth on the flywheel

Dave

[buttjoint]

What did I say Ring gear!!! . Thank you Thank you very much..