Engine won’t turn over

mamaw56 wrote:
2002 has V-10 Class A has been starting badly and sputtering. Replaced air flow sensor and computer. Had it at dealer because is was not starting. Of course it started every time for them. Today we were going out for inspection and it didn’t start just clicked. Neither would the jacks go up or the windows run down. We replaced the battery now windows work and jacks work but when we finally got the motor to turn over it started making a loud noise that sounded like when you turn the key on in your car but the car was already on?? The gear grinding sound. After a few seconds the sound stopped and the engine purred like a kitten. Turned it off and tried to restart it and nothing. Doesn’t even attempt to turn over. For sure it’s not the battery or the airflow sensor. Does that sound like the starter? Appreciate any insight...

It could have been that starter was hung-up after all the troubleshooting. But, not restarting after shutting it off is an electrical problem that requires in depth knowledge of both Ford chassis and manufacturer wiring for the starting circuit. The Ford supplied starting circuit and wiring is pretty much bullet proof, but the manufacture adds more relays and wiring for their disconnects, and may not be of the same quality. This may be why many Ford dealers do not work on MHs because of changes to the wiring systems.

Hopefully you won't be missing a couple teeth on the flywheel. Your starter has a small gear at the end of a shaft. When activated, it meshes with the teeth on the flywheel which starts the engine. Often, when corrosion is present on the wires, that small gear pushes forward but does not retract completely. That is the 'grinding' noise you're hearing. If the wiring fails, the small gear will not activate, meaning you'll hear nothing. The starter should be removed and that small gear checked for damage. Also all the connecting wiring must be in good working order so check that as well. Whoever does the work should check the flywheel for any damage as well. Missing teeth on the flywheel doesn't necessarily mean it need to be replaced, but be aware there might be those occasions when the small gear on the starter tries to mesh with the missing part of the flywheel and your vehicle won't start. There's ways around that too, so if that's what you find, let us know.......Dennis

Starter, and likely corroded connections between the battery and starter. Replace the starter and thoroughly clean all the cable ends.

Maintenance is always key. Sounds like corroded connections and possibly a bad starter.

No joke, we need to be out of here on the 9th to head south and we can’t get it started. We will have the starter diagnosed. We trouble shot all day yesterday even replaced the battery.

If you are considering buying it... I would re-consider.

Was going to joke motors are not supposed to turn over. they are supposed to remain upright at all times.

x2 if your looking at buying this rv, have a mobil tech look the rv over and a mechanic for the motor,tranny.

Sounds like a bad starter and quite possibly a bad ground as well. I'd tend to guess the bad ground was at the starter.