Take your starter to a Alternator/starter rebuild shop to have it rebuilt. Have them check the solenoid that throws the gear out so that it contacts the flywheel. Your starter does two things: It spins a gear that spins the motor, and it also has a mechanism that throws that gear out to connect with the flywheel/engine. Twist the key when the motor is running and you will hear the starter throw the gear out and grind on the already spinning engine, let go and it retracts. If it fails to extend, you have the symptoms described. I'd rebuild the whole thing anyway now while you have it apart. One less thing to think about later on, but who knows? Maybe your starter is really strong and just needs the part? -Kenyon --- Joe <joestill1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Evening all: > > Well, I removed the starter from our 1961 Crown, > lubricated it according to the FSM & replaced the > starter solenoid. Then I put it all back on the > car. > > Unfortunately, that did not correct the problem so > now I think I am in the market for a starter. I > thought I had one that would fit but it turns out it > was for a 1961 Chrysler and didn't fit. > > The whirring symptom when I turn the key remains -- > I turn the key, the starter whirs but doesn't catch. > > In fact, other than the skinned knuckles (geez, that > is one tough part to get to) and grease from head to > toe from under the car (no concours vehicle here...) > I haven't anything to show for the work. Well, I > should take that back. I DO have something to show > for it. I have the experience! I have never > removed and reinstalled a car starter before today. > Another notch in the learning belt. > > On the other hand, I would REALLY like to be driving > the car. Is there something I am missing? Could it > be the starter relay? The cables? In the process > of elimination, I have eliminated virtually > everything I can think of. ANY suggestions? > > So, if a new starter is needed, is the process that > I send it out to be rebuilt or do I buy one that is > already rebuilt. > > Anyone have a source? I have tried the site but > came up empty with the sources there. > > Thanks everyone. > > -- > Joe > Allen, Texas > '61 4D Crown Southampton > http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1961/JoeStill/index.htm Kenyon Wills ----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com ----------------- This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the Administrators should be sent to webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm