Volvo Repair: 1994 Volvo 940 Starter replacement, 1994 volvo 940, jumper cables

Question
1994 Volvo 940
Are there any tricks I need to know before replacing the starter motor for this car, the motor winds up, but will not engage the flywheel.  Bad Starter?  This is a friends car, and this is the first time I have worked on it.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Chris

Answer
Well the flywheel could be missing a couple teeth so the gear isn't engaging.  There would be a few terminals on the solenoind.  If you jump battery power to each one (ground the case) you'll be able to tell where it has failed.  One terminal will turn the motor only.  One will pull the gear out only.   The other will do both.  That way you can bench test it once you have it out.  If that all works fine its not the starter.  Check the condition of the flywheel through the starter opening.  You said the motor spins so that is all that it could be.  Once you have it out all you need is a bench vise and some jumper cables and a car battery to double check the starter.  Its wasy to remove, just a few bolts and no shims or anything to worry about.  Easy to do, even with minimal amount of tools.  Good Luck.

James