Could less than optimal battery charge prevent starter bendix drive from engaging flywheel?

Question

With a less than optimal 12.2 volts at the battery terminals and the bendix drive at the starter failing to pop and engage the flywheel, would battery charge be a likely cause of such a failure? Or would the fact that the starter motor runs, minus bendix action, conclude that the battery charge is not the cause; rather, the starter itself, such as a stuck bendix drive or worn brushes?

Note that the vehicle in question, a 1989 Town Car, has good continuity throughout the electrical system to the starter, and the solenoid is good.

Answer 1

A less than optimal battery and a functioning solenoid you would at least get the bendix to actuate. The less than optimal battery, would not supply enough power to have the starter actually rotate the engine.

This is usually audiable with a quickly repeating clicking type noise and other times by one "click" [and usually the driver cussing and pounding on the steering wheel finally ending his/her rant by resting their forehead on the top of the wheel].

If the starter is just simply free-wheeling (spinning without first mating with the flywheel) then you're looking at a starter replacement or rebuild, whichever you prefer.

Regardless while you're taking everything apart since you'll be disconnecting the battery anyways might as well check the water/acid level, top it off and give it a solid charge so it's good to go when you get it all put back together.

Answer 2

It is unusual to hear of a bendix starter motor now days. Most starter motors are known as 'pre-engaged' and have a starter 'pinion' operated by the solonoid. When you turn the key to start with a bendix starter motor, the motor armature spins and the inertia of the bendix causes it to wind itself along its helix, engage with the flywheeel ring gear and then rotate the engine. Reasons for poor or non-operation would be low/flat battery, poor earth/power at the motor, wear on the bendix assembly, disconnection of the bendix leaving it 'floating' on the starter, oil from a crankshaft rear seal leaking, clutch dust, and metal 'dust' from wear and tear. Another failure associated with the starter motor is that the engine, because of the compressions in the engine, always comes to rest in the same few places. With a bendix motor, the repeated impacting into the ring gear at these areas knocks out the ring gear teeth to the point where the bendix can no longer engage and turn the engine. When you check the bendix, check the ring gear. The pre-engaged motor avoids all of this by engaging its pinion first.