Re: Starting problems on '78 Mustang

Sep 28, 2003 1 Replies


The problem I'm having is that I turn the key but the starter motor doesn't


>seem to engage for very long (from the sound of it). I don't think it's a
>battery problem as sometimes it's fine and other times it takes ages to get
>started. When it's not working I'll turn the key and it will sound normal
>(trying to start) for around one or two seconds then make a whining running
>down sound as if the starters's disengaged. Usually it will catch after 3 or
>4 times of doing this but sometimes it can take an age. Other times it'll
>start almost first time. Does this sound like a faulty starter motor? I've
>found a second hand one for £20 and might have a go fitting it myself, I
>fitted one on my Pug 405 without too many problems. Is this a good idea? ;-) >
>Cheers,
>Dan
>
>

Have you checked the starter solenoid??


sounds like the "bendix" otherwise known as the starter drive . there is a spring that locks in the counter-clockwise position that is wearing out and eventually all it will do is spin,therefore fail to engage the flywheel.A fairly good engineer can replace the drive and replace brushes . a bad solenoid in 99% of the cases will merely fail to engage at all. good luck Jo

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