starter motor

[Hopey66]

hi there, car has been working fine recently until got in it the other day and the starter motor seemed to just spin, any suggestions on what it could be? thanks

[mogbob]

If it sounds as though it's just the motor that is spinning, then it could be that the pinion is " stuck " with dirt.If you are unlucky it could be that the return spring is broken as well, helping it to stick.
Disconnect battery, and cable to starter motor and remove the mounting bolts.The starter is reasonably heavy, so be prepared to catch.Clean the pinion and shaft with petrol or meths or carb/ brake cleaner and dry.Flick the pinion, to see that it now moves freely and returns to it's rest position.Do not oil or grease it or it will stick again.
Bob

[Hopey66]

i have taken it out, and the pinion is covered in dirt, so just clean and put back with no lubricants?

[chesney]

Clean it with a clean cloth, then brush it with a paint brush moistened in Petrol.
Check the pinion is able to travel and not trapped.

[bmcecosse]

All well worth doing - but could well be flat battery........

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Indeed. I believe this causes them to slip and disengage after catching for a split second.

Incidentally, always wait for the starter to come to rest before using it again.

As this is a recent phenomena in winter with a lot of electrical equipment in use and probably short runs: as above - battery.