Starter Blues

mgambuzza

mgambuzza

Senior Member
Although this is trimming the rapidly closing window of enjoyment for the season, I though I'd better tackle it. Last week I heard a weird ping when I started my 1930, and noticed a weird, weaker rate of spin to start the car. This usually cranks like mad, it did, but almost like it was slipping like a clutch. I debated between full starter and bendix, spent days researching forums and sites for parts, and decided to try a bendix first. Tonight I removed the starter and look what I found.


My question to the experts are two items:
1 - should I continue trying to find the missing bolt. I have a 3' rod with grabbers and spent an hour trying to find the missing bolt. Will I be fine if I abandon the effort, install the new part, and wait until I do a major rebuild?


When I install the new part, should I use Locktite and what should I torque the bolts to? I don't want to go through the effort and find sometime down the road the same bolt spins off and gets thrown around again.


Thanks guys and gals!
 

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I'm not seeing the special "tab" lock washer under the bolt that's still present - should be one on both bolts ! Model A parts vendors carry them in the starter/Bendix section.
 
i think that would drive me crazy worrying about it.
its a hard area to get into.

does the ring gear look ok? all the way around on the outer edge? i think i would look for damage to the outer edge of the ring gear that may be caused by the bolt rubbing on it. that would be the closest point of impact. turn the engine over by hand listen to see if it is rubbing. that may give you an idea if you want to chance leaving it in there.

i just don't know.
 
I got a magnet and placed it on back of the ring gear (had to break it to get it small enough). Turned the engine with a socket and picked up the bolt that way. Was a very cool one with a Ford logo on it. You may be amazed at how many you find in there.
 
Good news - new bendix arrived and installed. The washers with metal tabs were missing on the old - likely a contributor to potentially unthreading and falling into the abyss. I hand turned the engine and did not hear any friction or grinding, and spent a couple days between magnets, 4' long grabbers, all in an attempt to extract that and who knows now many that were left in the past, but no dice. She starts beautifully once again - thanks to all for the advice.
 
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