free running starter - 915

[bigpino]

Starter spun in detached gearbox. It also engaged, but I had to push it back afterwards. I thought the motor should normally take care of that.

Than I put the gearbox and motor together and back in the car. Now the starter runs freely so the motor isn't doing anything.

What can I do without dropping the engine again?

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by bigpino

Starter spun in detached gearbox. It also engaged, but I had to push it back afterwards. I thought the motor should normally take care of that.

Than I put the gearbox and motor together and back in the car. Now the starter runs freely so the motor isn't doing anything.

What can I do without dropping the engine again?

You can R&R the malfunctioning starter with the engine installed. Once removed, bench test it again with some battery jumper cables. Your previous test describes a starter that doesn't retract after de-energizing the starter. A spring is supposed to help retract the pinion gear from the flywheel gears.

Sounds like the motor itself is working. The solenoid pinion gear linkage isn't.

Sherwood