joemartins

SC430 with 104k miles on it

Went to start her up today. As I began to turn it over--nearly immediately--I heard what can only be described as a thump followed by whirring. (I'd like to believe the thump was related but cannot be certain). Tried to start again, only very briefly, and all I could hear is that "whirring". It will not turn over and I'm hoping that neither attempt damaged anything.

If I had to guess, I'd say the timing belt snapped immediately as the starter was beginning to turn over the engine.

Is there a relatively quick way to diagnosis this without potentially damaging the engine any further? An access port/hole or cover I can see through or remove to determine if the belt is snapped?

What else could it be? Starter solenoid failure? That would certainly be easier to diagnose.

Coleroad

Sounds like the bendix isn't engaging in the flywheel.

joemartins

Thanks Coleroad...I will begin with looking at the starter in the morning and go from there.

Harold57

I'd start with the battery. If the battery doesn't have a full charge, it won't be strong enough to engage the bendix and will just spin the starter. The starter will spin freely since it is not engaging the flywheel at that point.

If you don't have the equipment to test the battery, take it to a auto parts store where they can do a load test on it and determine whether your battery needs to be replaced.

joemartins

Thanks Harold,

New Optima but I will check it anyway to be certain that it isn't the issue.