starter engaging and turning but it's not turning the crank?

1998 HONDA PRELUDE
200,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FIRREDUP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When turning the key on you can hear starter engaging and turning but it's not turning the crank but for sure it's turning the flex plate.
Took off crank pulley to check timing and i turned the crank and it turns the flex plate trying to figure out why I can move crank and flex plate together by hand (ratchet) but the starter will not turn the crank was thinking possible ring gear but doesn't seem to be missing teeth and seems to still be connected to the flex plate.
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:18 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

If the starter is turning the flex plate and the crankshaft isn't turning, either something is disconnected or broken. Can you see the flex plate turning? Could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

I have a feeling the flex plate is broken right where it bolts to the engine. See pic 1

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Mar 14, 2023 at 7:53 PM
Avatar
MIKE H R
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 3,094 POSTS
Read your post, you said you can hear the starter turn when you try to start the car? The starter might turn but does the teeth from the starter move out to engage the flywheel. If the spring in the starter is weak it will turn but not engage.
Mar 15, 2023 at 4:18 PM
Advertisement