1998 prado .... the engine revs but won’t turn over

[Deadtree Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Deadtree]

I have a 1998 prado diesel .... just recently updated the transmission... injector pump and has 2 new batteries.

the prado was operating fine briefly.... now however it wont turn over. It revs like it wants to start but it ultimately won’t.

My mechanic is ill and I am trying to trouble shoot before he gets the car.

i am guessing it is the alternator the starter.... any idea what usually causes this?

let me know if you need more information I’m not sure what you need

David in Tanzania

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

".. now however it won't turn over. It revs like it wants to start but it ultimately won't "
I think your saying the engine is not turning over but the starter motor spins over (whirring noise) if that is the case the starter motor bendix gear is no engaging with the flywheel.
It could be a couple of things but all require the starter motor to be pulled out, once out it can be fixed.

It could be low voltage at the starter motor terminals but unlikely if you have new batteries, still worth checking the battery lead connections are clean and tight though.

Lee

[Zapper35 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Zapper35]

Give the starter motor a tap or two. Certainly sounds like the solenoid is not throwing bendix gear into mesh with ring gear.

As a caution I have stuffed a starter motor by allowing oil to drip onto it with successive oils changes over the years. Eventually I think it caused the solenoid contacts to stick in closed position and the starter to be continuously fed power but without the solenoid engaging. This effectively provided a short circuit to earth via the primary winding of the starter motor. Result = lots of ugly smoke and eventually solder dripping out of starter motor housing! Luckily I was trouble shooting the starting system as it had become intermittent with key operation and so had bonnet open at time and disconnected the batteries as it could have easily led to a fire.

Make sure the small hose that drains the oil catching collar under the oil filter is connected and not punctured.