First - the starter drive is just whizzing without engaging the flywheel. Is this a situation where knocking the solenoid may start it? (I would like to get it out of a parking lot). I was knocking the starter itself but should have been trying to knock the solenoid on top? Also, getting out the ?#$% bolts! I have broken two sockets and a u-joint! I can't get a 1/2 in. drive on either bolt, is that possible? It was only around 15 degrees this afternoon, and snowy! Suggestions appreciated!

Bonzo,
Are you sure it is the starter? Did you check to see if it is the timing belt? The whizzing sound may very well be the starter and flywheel turning the lower half - crank and pistons. I just went through that 1 month ago. If you pop the oil filler cap, scratch a mark on the cam, bump the starter and check to see if the cam moved. If not, you have a broken timing belt.

If it did move, it may be your flywheel has some bad teeth.
It is difficult to see if the teeth are bad even if you removed the starter. If you remove the inspection bracket (from below) you can see. Also you could see if your starter was engaging the flywheel or not.


I think the starter bolts are 19mm and I used a Sears socket 19mm Socket
and about 30" of extention, having the wratchet (air or manual) about at the back end of the transmission housing... It is a pain.

If you find it is the starter and do not want to pay more than $40 for one - e-mail me ....or if your ring gear on the flex plate(flywheel) is shot I have a new one ( I misdiagnosed the same whizzing sound)that I bought but did not use. It is good for an automatic. I will part with it for less that what I paid ....

Good Luck ... stay warm

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Happy Motoring Miguel '86 244 and '87 245

Before you pull the starter check the voltage at the solenoid , and as it is cranking. Should be battery voltage at rest, and at least 9.6 volts when cranking. When it gets cold it draws a lot of juice, and the battery and/or the wires/connections may not be up to the task. The bottom bolt, and some are able to do the top ( I can on my 940,but have not had to try the 240)with a box end wrench turned around at the right angle to bust 'em loose.
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'94 940 150k, '86 240 170k, '72 142 KIA, '70 144 KIA, '69 144 RIP