[Sxv10mech]

I have bench tested the starter on my 97 Camry and it engages and spins.

But when I put it back in the car it engages but doesn't spin I turn the crank pulley by hand and turns freely. Battery is showing 12.8v and is a new battery so not a battery issue. I have freely cranked it over by hand and engine is not seized what could be causing this and any other tests I could try or something I could check on the starter many thanks in advance.

 

[sdspeed]

I have bench tested the starter on my 97 Camry and it engages and spins.

But when I put it back in the car it engages but doesn't spin I turn the crank pulley by hand and turns freely. Battery is showing 12.8v and is a new battery so not a battery issue. I have freely cranked it over by hand and engine is not seized what could be causing this and any other tests I could try or something I could check on the starter many thanks in advance.

Did the drive gear (the bendix) move out when you bench tested it or did the motor just spin?
A/T or M/T?
Sure sounds like a bad starter solenoid.

 

[Sxv10mech]

Did the drive gear (the bendix) move out when you bench tested it or did the motor just spin?
A/T or M/T?
Sure sounds like a bad starter solenoid.

Its a automatic. gear extends fully got the starter to spin good but won't crank engine removed all 4 spark plugs to make it crank easier but still just one solid click no spin

 

[sdspeed]

Can you hear the drive gear it hit the teeth of the flex-plate? If the bendix drive gear is interfered with and it won't engage the ring gear the starter will still spin and the bendix gear will free-wheel. What starter this journey?
Your on the right track!

 

[DFBonnett]

Did the drive gear (the bendix) move out when you bench tested it or did the motor just spin?
A/T or M/T?
Sure sounds like a bad starter solenoid.

Agreed. I wonder if the starter is bench-tested in the same orientation as when on the engine would the solenoid function correctly. It might be worth a shot to open up the solenoid and check the contacts and plunger.

 

[Stillrunning]

Spinning a starter with no load is not the best test. I'm wondering if the cable to the starter is faulty/corroded producing high resistance so there is not enough volts to do any work under load?

 

[Sxv10mech]

ill try opening up the soleniod and checking it and will try other method and get back with results

 

[steve108]

Could also be failing solenoid contacts that won't deliver enough current under load

 

[Sxv10mech]

checked positive cable from battery positive to starter positive and it looks screwed so going to replace it and try again what gauge wire is good and would this cable be good https://waveinverter.co.nz/shop/accessories/dc-transmission-battery-cable/

 

[Stillrunning]

would this cable be good

Looks fine from description but is that $20 per foot? Also it does not include attachment ends which will need to be crimped on - I doubt you have a crimper that large.

I'd try local parts store for pre-made cables.

 

[Sxv10mech]

Solved the problem positive cable from the battery to starter was messed up trued a new cable and away it went thanks to everyone for your advice I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question have a great day