When I try to start my 98 civic the starter spins but the engine doesn't turn. I've replaced the starter and had the new starter tested, but the new starter does the same thing. I've felt inside the opening where the starter mounts and the flywheel teeth feel fine. I've charged the battery and cleaned the terminals. The car ran fine when I parked it about a month ago. It sounds like the starter or flywheel to me, so I don't know where to turn. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

you are by chance rebuilding the engine and have all the plugs out, (or you) ??

if not, then block the wheels and put it in neutral and see if you can turn the crankshaft counterclockwise (if that is the normal direction of rotation) by using a socket on the crankshaft pulley nut.

 

Have you checked your fuel pump? Whats the weather like there? My car is having issues starting int he hot weather because the fuel pump is getting primed. Something to think about at least

 

The flywheel turned easily. In fact, I had been assuming that the engine wasn't turning over because of the sound from the starter, but when I had someone else turn the key while I watched, the engine is turning. I've replaced the fuel relay because that's a common problem, but that didn't do it. I tried push-starting it, but that didn't work.

I'm assuming that it either isn't getting spark or gas, and I'll start checking. The thing that is throwing me off is the sound it's making, which is the whining a starter makes when it's gone bad.

 

Take off the oil filler cap and take a peek at the valve lifters while someone is cranking your motor. I had this a problem with an old toyota when timing belt snapped, it made a noise that only sounded the starter was only turning. There was no compression because the valve train wasn't moving.

 

I think that was it. I looked in the valve cover while my so cranked it and the crank was spinning but the one lifter I could see moved up and down once the whole time he cranked. I suspect the belt is chewed up but has some teeth on it that are catcing and ever now and then moving the lifter. I'm going to take the belt off and see what it looks like. Thanks.