Expert: Skip Bollinger - 7/26/2007

Question
when I tried to start my 89 lincoln the other day it wouldn't start. I could hear the started spining but it sounded like it wasn't catching the fly wheel. After a few trys it would finnaly start but now it won't start at all. I thought that the inside of the starter wasn't coming out and engaging the flywheel. So I replaced the starter and the starter switch. Both pieces were brand new. when I went to start my car it did the same thing. At first I thought that I may have put the started on incorrectly but I don't think there is a wrong way to put it on. There is only two bolts that hold it on and the electrical wire. I put it on the only way possible. I don't understand why it didn't fix my car. It seemed like that was the problem could I be over looking something else or could my flywheel be messed up. any advice will help.
Destiny

Answer
Destiny,
  I'm NOT a tech, I'm a Parts Professional. That is stated in my Profile but I do have some thoughts on your problem.
  It is possible but very RARE that you will have 2 starters with the same problem, the drive not kicking in. When you purchased the new starter, did you have the parts store check your old one or the new one?
  In a nutshell, I'd say you have teeth missing off the flexplate. This is the part that bolts to the crankshaft, has teeth all the way around and the teeth on the starter drive engage it to turn over the engine. The torque converter also bolts to it.
  If you pull the starter off and take a flashlight, look through the hole and look at the flexplate to see if you can see "teeth" damage on the flexplate. Motormite makes starter shims for Ford products which includes Lincoln but that moves the starter AWAY from the flexplate. It doesn't seem like this is you problem.
  Please remember I'm just a dumb Parts Professional, NOT a Tech but I'm offering the best thoughts I have. I hope this helps. Good luck and thank you for your question.
Skip