Whirring starter

[Offshore]

Hi guys. Went to a friends house this morning and she would start on the starter after a 10 mile drive and 5 minute rest. Starter just whirls and the engine doesn't turn over.

Got her bumped (forgot about the starter handle in the boot in my panic). Got to work ok and still won't start on the starter.

Starter was new a year ago and been in use ever since more or less daily. No signs of impending doom.

All ignition electrics replaced last year including battery.

Where do I start? Could the starter be loose and not engaging?

Travelling to UK next week and a check over at Charles Ware as well so any advice would be gratefully received.

[bmcecosse]

Charles Ware ? Are you sure... Is the battery charged ? Headlights bright? Pull the starter with headlights on - do they stay bright - or go very dim? Starter/battery connections may be loose/dirty - earth strap missing. Or the starter Bendix may be dirty/contaminated with oil - take it off and clean it - but DO NOT oil it. Does it start with jump leads from another vehicle? You say it started - and then it didn't start - please explain.......

[whyperion]

Check the bolts holding the starter on, they can come loose, especially after a change as the lock washers might not have been nipped up enough, if they are tight, then its either the bendix not throwing ( see below ) or worn, or possibly the front and/or rear bearing wear in the starter motor - means energy will spin the motor but not enough to turn flywheel.

[Offshore]

Bmcecosse - car started this morning in the garage as normal. Drove 10 miles to friend's house. Turned engine off and talked in the house for 5 mins or so having called to collect some stuff. Returned to car and starter will not engage.

Bumped car and drove to work. Tried starting again once parked at work - same just a whirring.

Negative lead bit loose on battery. No time to do much and wearing shirt and tie.....

Will check connections and mounting bolts tonight at home.

Staying for a few days in Bristol as tourists so Ware's is killing two birds etc. Fitting new leaf suspension as I don't have the facilities, room or tools for the job.

Then it's off to Cumbria for a few days via Lancashire. Fair trip coming up I think.

Will let you know if I fix the starter tonight. Looks like the starting handle is coming out at 5!

[bmcecosse]

I've changed a head gasket at side of road wearing a business suit - battery connection is easy meat. Most likely cause! PM sent... Check the fan belt is tight enough to charge the battery - and is the red light going out?

[Offshore]

Started tonight on the key. Grrr. Couldn't start it on the starter handle. Obviously got a bad technique! Found a snapped negative lead where it goes round the terminal so that possibly didn't help. Still don't know what was wrong but she works so we will soldier on. New negative lead tomorrow. Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated as usual.

[katy]

Found a snapped negative lead where it goes round the terminal

What terminal?

[chesney]

Battery terminal (presumably)...

[katy]

I'm psychotic not psychic.