ford escort 1978 automatic when switching ignition on makes terrible noise but engine does not swing at all.

stephen, August 2008

your starter's bendix drive isn't engaging,either a faulty starter or fly wheel ring gear.said gear only wears in 1 or 2 places so put a socket onto the crankshaft and turn the engine over a 1/4 turn to present an unworn ringear section and retry.but given car age and the fact that u never stated warning symptoms,I'd be checking starter bendix drive.if it fails to engage it makes a god awfull racket.

caine, August 2008

Hi Sounds like the toothed dog on the starter is either damaged or the flywheel ring gear on the engine has tooth damage..?
Or if you very lucky it may just be a very poor connection on the starter motor which is not allowing enough electricity to allow starter to spin properly..
Try jump starting it from another car, if it works, then i guess connection or starter on last legs if its still the same either of the first above.

Steve Blackwell, August 2008