I have 3 Hondas and I work on cars for a hobby... but this one has me stumped! The 89 Accord was working fine. Went to gas station, filled up and when I tried to start it, all it gave me was a fast moving starter sound, like the solenoid didn't engage. Took starter to AutoZone to check starter and solenoid and it checked out GOOD. There was no noises, no warning that something was wrong. If I turn the engine by the crankshaft pulley bolt it turns fine, meaning timing belt is good. Looked through small timing hole and I can see the flywheel turning but the engine does not!!! Any ideas?

 

rapid spin with the starter but no start...

my first two thoughts:

-either the starter pinion gear or the ring gear on the flywheel are stripped/damaged

-or, the timing belt is broken. with the valves not closing the motor won't build compression, therefore it will spin faster than normal.

i imagine you got a look at the starter gear if you took it to have it tested.. you can check for broken T-belt by removing the distributor cap and watching for the rotor button to spin as a friend tries to start it (be sure to unplug the ignition system/igniter when doing this so you don't burn it up).

 

remove the starter and

1. check to see that the bendex is engaging when you apply +12V

2. turn the crank by hand and inspect the flywheel, if teeth are missing or worn, u gotta replace it and that can get spendy...