Need help with wd45

[Jumper]

I have a wd45, 12 volt. Was starting well till today. I pull staring cable- I hear a “whirring” noise, but won’t start. I can start it with hand crank. Thoughts on where to start. Feels like starter is spinning- but not sure

 

[rustred]

your bendix is not engaging into the starter. pull the starter off and check it out many times the armature drive gets all gummed up with grease and in cold weather it wont engage. ooh yikes its 12 volt u say. dont know if this is something u can tackle or hire the job out. a starter man will help u out.

 

[flooder1997]

yes bendix spring is most likely your problem set it on bench hook a battery cables to it off a battery in a vice then youll be able to see if its engaging youll know right away if you cant tell by looking at it

 

[NDIHC]

Broken throw out spring on the starter drive. Just a thought. Had it happen before on Farmalls.

 

[Jumper]

Thanks all for pointing me in a direction

 

[Meangreen]

Broken throw out spring on the starter drive. Just a thought. Had it happen before on Farmalls.

Had that happen on my WD45 before. Was sitting on the trailer ready for me to drive off for a show and it decided to break.

 

[stevieb49829]

Thanks all for pointing me in a direction

If it's the big flat-wound bendix spring, NOS are readily available on eBay, and maybe on this site too. Just be aware that they are wound in both directions, so pay close attention when you are buying one. I had my broken one sitting on the computer table next to me while I was shopping for one. steve