Drive Pinion Test

NOTE: An over running clutch may lock when manually rotated, but it will not hold under engine cranking torque. Replace the starter drive if indicated by reasonable diagnostic procedures.

The starter motor must be removed to check the overrunning clutch. Use a small pry bar to turn the drive pinion clockwise and counter clockwise. In one direction, the pinion should freewheel. In the other direction, the overrunning clutch should lock the pinion to the armature shaft. If the pinion freewheels in both directions, replace the starter drive.