95 e150 wont start

[wnaplay1647545503]

Wife said the van wouldnt start, I figured battery. But nope, turn the key and sounds like an electric motor is spinning but nothing is happening. Starter not engaging?

[Dave1647545494]

bad starter or broken ring gear on teh flywheel

[craig71188]

Worst case - broken timing chain, check the starter/ring gear first though

[nurkvinny]

Worst case - broken timing chain, check the starter/ring gear first though

 

You've made me curious. Why would you even mention a timing belt when someone describes a "spinning electic motor" sound?

[craig71188]

Broken Chain - motor spins over real easy - could be described the same way as the starter will be spinning much faster than when cranking an engine with proper timing. Hence the comment-check the motor/ring gear first, then proceed to other options. It's always a crap shoot to diagnose by a description of sound - a very subjective observation.

[nurkvinny]

Lay under the van, looking at the starter. Have wife turn key back and forth to "Start". If you're by yourself, drop the starter, put power and ground to it on the workbench; you'll see whether or not it's engaging.

 

Even with a busted chain, more than 1 cylinder will have both valves closed, creating compression. You would hear the engine cranking over.

[Clifford Automotive]

How about this. By electric motor do you mean only when the key cylinder is rotated fully? Or when it is switched to the on position? Are all accesories turned off?

[Guest Hal]

I'd just pull the starter and bench test it. You'll see if it's working correctly. Proceed to other options from there if the starter isn't the problem.