38 busted bendix spring

gundoca

gundoca

Member
Converted to 12 volt, just broke the bendix spring on the original 6 volt starter. I am looking at the Macs 12 volt starter so the I am not constantly replacing the spring. Any input is appreciated.
 
It seams like a crap shoot with these springs …. some live and some don’t
Just keep trying ... you can always get a push start or bust out the crank to get home ;)
 
Hi there,, Well when you use a 6volt starter on 12 volts that starter drive takes a bit of a hammering. Sometimes they last for years but some don't. A little trick here we used to do was to fit a lighter starter cable that had a higher electrical resistance and so had a bit of voltage drop on the 6 volt starter when on 12 volts. Slowed it down a little and protected the drive some. Better really to have a 12 volt starter. Regards, Kevin.
 
Another thing that works is to take an old bendix spring,or a new one and put it on the
starter post then attach the battery cable to it. It knocks the voltage down to about
8 volts. Works well easier starting and longer lasting bendix springs.
You have to grind the round part where the bolt goes thru on the end you put on the
starter as the starter post isn't long enough.
Try it you like it.....
 
On the Model A, many exchange the original bendix for a "modern bendix". Cures the broken bendix problem, and the 12v on the original starter spins the engine a lot better. (Is a "modern bendix" available for the later Ford starters?)
 
Walt Dupont--Me. said:
I have one of those barrel drives on my 40 and one on my Model B engine in my Model A. There empossable to break. Walt
Click to expand...


I don't think they are impossible to break. We had one fail on the Barners New England Tour in 2012. A snap ring popped off and drive mechanism came apart. The guys were able to make a field repair in a gas station parking lot. That took about 1/2 hour and we were on our way. I believe it has worked well since then.
 
Good info guys, think I will look at converting myself. Have a junk yard down the road, might see if they have a donor first.
 
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