2002 Chevy Trailblazer 4.2L
Hi all, my starter went out. So I bought a re-manufactured one from RockAuto. Put it in and it doesn't work. It makes a loud whining noise. I think the solenoid is kicking out the gear but it sounds like it is not engaging the fly wheel.
before I return it I wanted to ask you guys what you think.
Thanks

I'd pull the starter out and bench test it. See if the gear gets extended when the starter starts spinning.

will do. this thing is a real pain to get to. took me 2 1/2 hrs to take old one out and put new one in!

Wow!

Was it rusted in there or something?

no. It'* buried very low on the engine and you can't get to it from underneath. and on that side of the engine are a whole bunch of wire harness' and the ECM. I had to use about 8 inches of extension to get to one bolt because it'* between the starter and the block. AND I practically had to do it with one hand.
Here'* the brushes from my old starter. I think I could fix them up and get another 2 years out of them.
Wadda ya think? LOL.

"LOL" is correct. LOL!

But seriously, not enough people ever think about rebuilding starters these days. I'm all for it!

Put new brushes in it.

already ordered and received a new A/C Delco. getting a refund for bad one.
Hope to change it out tomorrow.
I don't know if you were kidding or not. But the whole inside was caked with grease and dirt! It was toast.

Half kidding. New brushes, a good cleaning, and repair of whatever else is wrong, and it could be put back in service for a long time. Not quite practical these days, although with prices going up and up it might become the economical answer.

Put new starter in today and it started right up.
I hooked up the defective starter to my bench power supply, 12v and ground. starter gear spun but didn't kick out.
So I'll return it and get a refund.
next up, replace fuel pump.