95 Starter does not engage

Sometimes, starter hits, spins and starts fine. This happens when I'm alone.

Other times, I hit the button, hear a horrible screech, can hear starter spinning like mad, does not engage engine. Hit it again once or twice, or three times, it finally engages, spins motor over and it starts. This seems to happen more when spectators are around.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Sprag inside the left engine cover may be oil goo'd up needs a brake cleans . Obtain a new side cover gasket, Then drain the oil drop the cover use CRC brake cleans, spray the back of the clutch basket where the starter gear is. this shold fix that running on starter . check it with the cover off ( warrning !! don't spin more tha 4 revs ! No Oil)if it cranks ok , put all back together.. Hope this helped..Mike in Calgary..

 

Non-engaging 4thgen starter: resolved (starter clutch)

Did some research. Here is what I found on the web:

1. Some people say that synth. motor oil can cause same symptoms, return to conventional oil (or at least something w/ better friction modifiers.) I don't buy that.
2. Springs in starter clutch need to be replaced. Complete writeup HERE

So, I did both. The springs are what did the trick. I bought factory springs at $2 and change each. Starter clutch had a very different feel after replacing those.

Starter engages instantly now. That Magna starter clutch webpage is great.

Also purchased a couple HArbor Freight torque wrenches for the job. On sale last week for $15. They seem fine so far....