850 starter makes whirring noise

parbar · Post by **parbar** » 26 Jan 2017, 13:56

My 850 automatic, turbo cranks over about twice and then makes a whirring sound and does not start. Once in awhile it will start normally. Is the starter clutch going bad?

Post by **scot850** » 26 Jan 2017, 14:04

It certainly sounds like it. Have you had the battery checked recently to make sure it is good and all the connections?
Sounds like the Bendix spring is going.

Neil.

Post by **misha** » 26 Jan 2017, 15:22

Yep....Bendix.

splats · Post by **splats** » 28 Jan 2017, 16:17

I agree with the other folks. My 850 did the same thing - it starts to turn over, but then just whirrrrrrs, then maybe a clunk as the starter re-engages as it spins down. It's the clutch in the bendix gear. Replace the starter (before it knocks teeth off of your flywheel!)

If you replace it yourself, be aware that there's a bracket on the end of the starter that bolts back onto the engine block (at least on my '96 there was). This bracket was abandoned after a starter redesign, and won't fit and/or line-up with the new starter. So, if you have that old-style starter, the bracket won't fit on your new starter. I'm told that even Volvo doesn't sell the old style anymore. (Just an fyi sort of thing.)

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 28 Jan 2017, 22:41

I searched for just a Bendix and the only ones I could find were much more expensive than just replacing the stater motor with a rebuilt Bosch from the auto parts store. I have had to replace a couple of them but it has been a few years ago. At that time the rear support bracket fit just like the original when I installed the rebuilt part.

...Lee