No crank no start, just whining noise

[E21newb]

So my convertible died last year while driving. Everything was driving fine then the engine just cut out. I tried to replace the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs. When I try to start it, the car does not turn over. Today I tried to replace the starter with a brand new one. But still nothing. Does the same thing. Just makes a loud whining noise. Really stumped on this and can’t figure it out. I believe that I am getting no spark and I’m guessing it’s an electrical issue. Please hallpppp!

[101]

Check if the timing belt is broken. Those symptoms sound a lot like the belt may have let go.

[E21newb]

That’s what I was thinking too from the beginning. But I wanted to try other things first. Thank you!

[SethB]

When the car died, did it just cut out and the car kept rolling? Or did it lock up the rear wheels? Or make a lot of banging, clanging, etc?

Can you give a little more detail on what's happening when you try to start now? Is the engine rotating and not catching, or is it really not turning at all? Is the whine the sound of something spinning, or more like the starting motor trying to turn but not able to?

[E21newb]

The car just completely cut out. Dash lights were still on though. When I try to starting, it just more of a spinning sound.

[tomstin]

When I try to starting, it just more of a spinning sound.

As mentioned above, have someone crank the starter while you watch the front of the engine. Is the crank shaft turning? If nothing is turning, pull the starter and bench test it. Time to narrow things down.

If the crank shaft is turning and easily (whirling noise) you probably broke the timing belt.

But one thing at a time.