starter problem

[pontiac nino]

Well, ive had this problem for awhile just did'nt get around to fixing it. When I try to start the car it doesn't crank just makes a spinning sound like the sound the fan makes when it turns on, only it's not that. Sometimes if I try to crank it, it will crank very briefly then do the spinning noise.
Could it be the starter?
I took off the starter once to see if it was the connections but everything seemed fine so I bolted it back on and continued to do the same damn thing,
It takes about 3-5 tries to start the car.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks [img]smile.gif[/img]

[pontiac nino]

Oh yeah, i've never tested the starter. (don't wanna do down there again unless absolutely necessary :D )
Alternator and battery are about 6 mos. old
Fuel filter has been changed 6 mos. ago car has good fuel pressure(checked)
When car cranks or does spinning sound it lights DON'T dim.
thanks

[viper98885]

Sounds like the gear that comes out and grabs the flywheel when the starter is engaged might not be coming out far enough to make contact.

[pontiac nino]

you mean the teeth to the starter could possibly be busted?
Thanks viper

[BLLDOGG]

they may not be spaced right. sounds like what my friends starter did when he didnt put spacers on it [img]graemlins/stickpoke.gif[/img]

[viper98885]

Usually, the 3.4 staters don't need to be shimmed though.