Dontae20

Hey guys,

Woke up to a doozy today. My 08 SS won't start. All I get is like a whirling sound when trying to start. Almost sounds like motor is turning as well but I'm sitting in the car. I feel it's needing a new starter, but since I'm down and need a ride I want to be sure I'm looking in the right direction. Also noteworthy, yesterday while driving, I started hearing a sound, like ball bearings tossing around, between 1500 and 2k RPM. Also here and there the car wouldn't turn over right away, the starter would still be engaged and I'd have to switch off then back on. Appreciate any tips as I'm kinda stranded right now. At least it's in the comfort of home :p

donbrew

If you can hear the starter its not a bad starter

Sounds like ball bearings getting tossed around could indicate you have a broken timing chain.

whopper

Sounds to me like the Bendix gear on the end of the starter is toast, and is not engaging the flywheel. If you cannot determine if the engine is turning over when the starter runs, you best take it to a mechanic.

Dontae20

This is what I'm thinking as well. Problem is I'm by myself trying to do this, so it's hard to sit inside the car and tell if anything is turning outside. I may have to succumb to getting in to a garage.

Lucky

Take a marker and put a mark on the belt under the hood then try to crank it.

If the mark is in the same place after you try cranking it then the motor is not turning.

If the motor is turning but it sounds strange I fear you my have a timing chain issue.

whopper

Damn!!! Awesome tip - curses - why didn't I think of that. Mutter mutter............ (writing that tip down) .