'33 starter ...click ...click

al's28/33

al's28/33

Well-known member
For some time now, everytime I cold start my '33 pickup the starter seems to disengage the flywheel and spin, then when I step off the switch and try again she'll start. Today there was dead silence, so I pushed her backwards while in 2nd gear to try and dislodge a possible hung-up Bendix. No go. Several re-attempts and still nothing.
Good strong battery, no frayed wires, no corroded connections. all wiring clean and secure.
I assume it's the Bendix or bad brushes. What are the tricks to removing and replacing a starter motor? Does the exhaust need to be removed or the wishbone loosened up before hand or can the starter be angled up/down and away and then repeat after I've found the issue??
 
Just get under and undo the two bolts plus, if fitted the small brkt onto the oil pan bolt, and of corse the cable
Lawrie
 
A little bit more info Lawrie, If it has a modern bendex fitted be prepared for a bit more jiggling to get it out.
Kpar
 
And what about getting the replacement back in, does the gear or spring have to be set any special way ?
 
No, just get the Bendix past the flywheel. I always push the gear as far away from the body of the starter as it will go but I don't think that is necessary.
 
AFTER you remove the 2 bolts be careful as you remove it OR it will come apart (don't ask me how I know :):eek::)).
Paul in CT


Chip"s Electrical, Park Ave, E. Hartford, CT put mine back together at a reasonable price and even had the Bendix lock washers.
 
How about the starter button could be faulty ,should be floor mounted ,fit a jumper lead onto Neg bat then touch the starter side lead or terminal should get it to engage ,
 
FlatheadTed said:
How about the starter button could be faulty ,should be floor mounted ,fit a jumper lead onto Neg bat then touch the starter side lead or terminal should get it to engage ,
Click to expand...

Good advice on the starter button, especially if it's a repo button. I've seen more than one of those repos cause problems.
 
UPDATE.... I removed the starter and found no missing teeth on the flywheel which was one possibility of the spinning when trying to start. The switch itself is original and that tests fine, no burned out contact points or frayed wires. Battery is strong and fully charged. Cables were all replaced (15 years old now) Now to test the starter, could the Bendix spring be weak or the shaft gear stripped somewhere which causes the slippage/spinning action?


Is there a way to test the starter for torque pressure on the Bendix?
 
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