My starter doesnt seem to want to work?

(2011-03-25 14:20:21) 1. sniperlif3 Says: I have a 1993 gmc sierra that has a chevy 350 small block and an automatic transmission. I just got done installing a new cam in the engine and got everything back together and ready to start up. When i turned the key, the starter sounded as if it was spinning but not moving/engaging with the flexplate. So i got a whole new starter (solenoid and all), installed it, and it did the same thing the first few starts, then it would only click and not even spin.

I am able to turn the engine by hand fairly easily. Also when i turn the ignition to start, my speedo seems to go all buggy for a few seconds which ive never seen before. At one point the odometer was even moving slightly.

Im not sure what could be wrong, but maybe its a loose wire? Or could it be the ignition or neutral safety switch?2. ChokoPanda Says: Might be a faulty ignition switch. Try replacing the electrical switch portion in the steering column, it's a easy and cheap job. This way you can at least cross of problems in the starting system since along with the starter it's really the only moving part.3. Caleb Kadrmas Says: I am guessing you either have it too close or too far away.If its too far away the starter will engage but won't spin the flywheel baecause its too far away.4. nosdda Says: Your engine timing could be set wrong as you have had work on th cam done.5. Shirley Says: suspect flat battery6. Ken Bacon Says: see if it starts better in neutral. it might be your transmission thats slipping7. Screamin' Eagle Says: I know most Chevy 350s have a spacer on their starters. When you bolted the starter back in did you put the spacer back in? If not the bendix could be too close to the ring gear and the teeth can't engage. Most of the time this only causes grinding of the gears, but in cases where thick shims are needed they can do this.
Also. Take your battery to a parts store. What you could have is a battery that is holding a 12 volt charge, but when you need the amps to crank the starter it's falling on it's face. A parts store can charge your battery and load test it to make sure it's doing what it's suppose to do.
You could have gotten a bad starter. It happens. Take it when you take the battery and have it checked as well. Plus if you don't have those shims in place then the parts store should carry a pack of varying sizes. They're cheep. They're only little tin plates with a hold, a slot, and a tab on them.

Good Luck. Tag: My starter doesnt seem to want to work?