OK, trying to help my father diagnose an issue with his 70 'Cuda 340. Went to take the car out a couple weeks ago and it wouldn't start. Car is all original that was restored about 10 years ago (car is driven in the summer only). When you turn the key, motor isn't turning over and I am hearing a whining sound (sounds like the stater spinning but not engaging the motor/flywheel). After trying a few different things, he picked up a new starter, new positive battery cable, new relay - and so far, nothing. When the engine is cranked, the rotor in the distributer is not moving and the pulleys/belt are not moving, either. Ignition system was upgraded last year from points to a Summit Racing electronic ignition. I am lost here, and my father is out of ideas. Can someone give any fresh ideas on where to start poking around for answers??

 

Assuming its an automatic, is the torque converter still attached to the flex plate/flex plate to the crank? While checking that, how do the teeth look on the ring gear?

 

Should have been slightly more specific - manual tranny...

 

Do I understand that you have now replaced the starter and are having the same issue, IE the starter makes noise and runs, but the engine does not turn?

Starter ring gear slipping on the flywheel.

Broken teeth on the starter gear

Broken flywheel bolts

Broken crank

I would pull the bell dust cover and look up in there while someone engages the starter. If the gear turns and the flywheel does not, you have your answer

 

Did you get it fixed?