The starter on my 87 420 slips from time to time. 1 out of 10 times it misses. As best I can tell the solenoid is engaging the bendix gear and the starter motor turns but the engine does not turn. You can hear the sound of the starter winding up to high RPM's. Almost as if the bendix gear is not meshing with the flywheel. I took the thing apart and cleaned and greased it. The bendix gear seemed normal - catches in one direction and freewheel in the other.

It is my conclusion that the bendix gear is slipping or not catching at all. If the solenoid was not working then the starter motor would not spin at all - would it? Is it possible that the solenoid is able to apply power to the starter motor and not engage the bendix gear.

I invite any and all opinions on this subject.

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k