Starter does not catch the flex plate

2003 SUZUKI ESTEEM
160,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LARRY NASON
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  • 48 POSTS
When I engage the starter it doesn't engage the flex plate. I went to start it one day and in made a clunk sound. Now when I try to start it you just hear the starter spin. It's a brand new starter it started find a couple times and now this. I've had two starter testing it's working fine and I can turn the motor by hand so it's not seized. any suggestions?
Apr 6, 2019 at 11:40 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

If the starter is good and the Bendix is kicking out the starter gear, the only other thing could be the flexplate is damaged. You will have to remove the starter and look in to the flywheel teeth to see if they are damaged or if the flywheel is loose.

Take a look at the attached picture. When the starter is out, look in where it mounts to see the flexplate. Also, when the starter is out, if you haven't already, take the starter to a parts store and have it bench tested.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Apr 6, 2019 at 7:58 PM