1929 model A...
- Thread starter 1929ier
- Start date
Art Newland
Well-known member
Bendix drive on the starter could have a problem, or the ring gear around the flywheel could be stripped.
C26Pinelake
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The likely problem is the bendix. Pull the starter and check it. Not a big job. Wayne
Jim/GA
Well-known member
Art, do you have the Model A Mechanic's Handbook (the red book)? It has good instructions for remove/replace, and some drawings so that you can see what you have before you take it apart. 
The Bendix is a big spiral. I once had my little starter Bendix gear spin back and jam on the spiral, so when I pressed the starter switch, the motor just spun and the engine did not turn. (Sounds like what you have.) I push-started the car, just to get back on the road -- we were on a tour. The next time I turned the engine off and then wanted to go, it started right up with the starter like normal. Engine vibration had loosened the little gear from where it was jammed. It has not happened again.
Good luck. Have fun with it!
The Bendix is a big spiral. I once had my little starter Bendix gear spin back and jam on the spiral, so when I pressed the starter switch, the motor just spun and the engine did not turn. (Sounds like what you have.) I push-started the car, just to get back on the road -- we were on a tour. The next time I turned the engine off and then wanted to go, it started right up with the starter like normal. Engine vibration had loosened the little gear from where it was jammed. It has not happened again.
Good luck. Have fun with it!
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
The spiral for the drive pinion is called a "helix", and if it has dirt, rust, or grease on it the pinion can't easily spin into engagement. When did the problem start, or when did the starter last work fine?
The bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.
Either way, I'd remove the starter and have a look.
The bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.
Either way, I'd remove the starter and have a look.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
RAP on the starter with a BIG hammer, NOT joking!
Bill W.
Bill W.
Purchased the car about a year ago, been working over seas and haven't have much time to work on it. I will try to search online to buy "the red book" and fool the instructions from you all. Keep fingers cross, maybe there isn't a problem with the Model A.
Thanks for all the tips.
Tom
Thanks for all the tips.
Tom
The problem started when the it first deliver to my front door, I believed starter was fine before the delivery. It has driven on to the trailer for the delivery and will not start once arrives to my place.
Maybe you are right the bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.
Maybe you are right the bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.