Loud clunk and wont start

[ak97taco]

Hey guys so this morning I went to start my 97 and all it did when I turned the key was clunk twice really fast and not start, sounds like maybe a busted gear? Any thoughts?

 

[Scott Wyman]

Starter or Flywheel maybe?

 

[ak97taco]

The clunk was really loud, would a bad starter be so loud? I thought it just clicked

 

[kp.taco]

Flywheel breaking is a common issue on the 1st gen 3.4

 

[ak97taco]

I've got a 2.7, also was wondering since it didn't even try to crank, could be the flywheel or something to do with timing maybe? I'm not sure haven't got my head into it much yet

 

[Crawdad]

I've got a 2.7, also was wondering since it didn't even try to crank, could be the flywheel or something to do with timing maybe? I'm not sure haven't got my head into it much yet

So does the starter not spin at all now, like locked up or does it just free-wheel, like not connecting with the flywheel?

 

[Scott Wyman]

The clunk was really loud, would a bad starter be so loud? I thought it just clicked

Only if the shaft broke. More than likely the flywheel though.

 

[Bogunn]

I've got a 2.7, also was wondering since it didn't even try to crank, could be the flywheel or something to do with timing maybe? I'm not sure haven't got my head into it much yet

I’m sure you’ve looked at the obvious like battery charge etc. (Always start simplest).
If it’s the starter you should hear it free wheeling unless it’s locked up. The best idea is to get up under there and make sure it isn’t ceased up and there aren’t teeth knocked off the fly wheel.

 

[Bogunn]

Also, you may need an extra set of hands to crank it. If the starter is locked up sometimes you can knock them a little and get them free for a few more cranks.