[beaudry]

Hi, I looked thru some of the threads and couldn't find what I was looking for.
I've been having some intermittent starter issues. Its a 1968 cougar with a 302 and C4.
Most of the time, the engine fires right up, but on a few occasions, I've turned the ignition and all I've heard is a whirring sound. Kinda like the starter is running, but has not engaged any thing. The last time it happened was after a car wash and I couldn't get it to start. I had it towed home and when I tried to start it later that week, it started up again fine. I haven't been driving it, because I don't want to be out and have this happen again. But, its summer and I'd like to take the car out.
Any ideas on what might be the issue?

thanks in advance.

 

[Harvey]

Check your wiring of course but it sounds like the bendix is going bad. Pretty easy fix, pull the starter, change the bendix and re-install.

 

[beaudry]

Thanks, I'll look into that.

 

[Bad69cat]

+1 on that - just about as cheap to get a rebuilt starter these days anyway...I think my last one was $30

 

[1969XR7Vert]

Starter Bendix (drive).